Climate Chaos
The plot – a term I employ very loosely – charts the course of world-saving heroics: satellites malfunction, causing extreme weather. Arent we glad this real worlds governments are house-trained enough not to weaponize weather? To their credit, the movie-makers didnt bother hiding the fact that its a narrative disaster by the overloaded CGI. Like expecting a Shakespearean sonnet from a parrot, they serve us dialogue and acting… Well, at least no one promised method acting and Oscar-worthy performances.
In a near future where Earths climate is controlled via a network of satellites, the system starts wreaking havoc, causing natural disasters everywhere. Its up to Gerard Butler, playing our brave scientist-hero, to identify the saboteur and save the world. Brace yourself as he tirelessly battles fire tornadoes, tsunamis, sub-zero blizzards, and a quite predictable plot twist. An exercise in narrative survival against a plot more catastrophic than the titular Geostorm.
Oh, the plot holes in this one rival the Grand Canyon. The scientific inaccuracies and illogic fly by faster than rogue weather satellites. The aim might have been to give us an environmental-thriller-cum-family-drama. Instead, we got a whirlwind of questionable character decisions and an oddly convenient climax.
On a positive note, the special effects are a spectacle to behold. The devastation painted across cityscapes is visually engaging, offering a decent serving of disaster movie clichés. Gerard Butler is likable, injecting some much-needed charm. Unfortunately, the choppy pacing, cardboard characters, and predictable plot underwhelm severely. The dialogue is often cringeworthy and the tension built dissipates quicker than a summer shower. While it promises a hurricane of excitement, it delivers more of a mild drizzle.
The actors struggle valiantly to make the most of their thin characters. Butler shines occasionally, but others are left adrift amidst scripted tsunami of clichés. Director Dean Devlin grapples with balancing character drama and cataclysmic extravaganza, unfortunately skewing towards the latter, disserving the former.
Conclusions
If you enjoy watching cities crumble in tidal waves of CGI, Geostorm delivers aplenty; its an all-you-can-eat buffet of disasters. Despite its predictable plot and character clichés, I found unexpected joy in its unapologetic over-the-top scenario. It’s the perfect choice for a fun evening with friends where coherent plot is optional, and laughter, preferably at the script, is mandatory. To all disaster movie fans, welcome to your new guilty pleasure. Don’t forget your popcorn!