Greenland (2020) achieves the cinematic equivalent of a shrug, landing solidly in the "it's fine, I guess" tier of apocalyptic thrillers. While Gerard Butler runs, drives, and occasionally flies his way through yet another end-of-the-world scenario, one can't help but admire his dedication to being the action hero in every conceivable disaster. The film's plot, which revolves around a family's attempt to reach the titular sanctuary as a comet threatens to obliterate Earth, ticks all the boxes for suspense, emotional family moments, and explosions. Yet, it's served with a side of predictability that makes you feel like you've seen this movie before, even if you haven't.
What sets Greenland apart, if only by a smidge, is its attempt to weave a more personal story amidst the chaos of the impending apocalypse. Instead of focusing solely on the spectacle of destruction (though there's plenty of that), it spends a surprising amount of time on the relational dynamics of Butler's family. This effort to humanize the narrative amidst the CGI destruction derby is commendable, yet it's akin to trying to have a heartfelt conversation in the middle of a rock concert. You appreciate the attempt, but can't shake the feeling that something's off.
All in all, Greenland garners a lukewarm 3.5 stars out of 5. It's the cinematic equivalent of a reheated slice of pizza; it'll do in a pinch, but it's not exactly satisfying. The film straddles the line between thrilling and formulaic with the grace of a tightrope walker wearing clown shoes. It's ok, not because it's particularly groundbreaking or because it redefines the genre, but because it delivers exactly what it promises: Gerard Butler against the end of the world, again. And in a world starving for original content, sometimes, just sometimes, "ok" is good enough.
What sets Greenland apart, if only by a smidge, is its attempt to weave a more personal story amidst the chaos of the impending apocalypse. Instead of focusing solely on the spectacle of destruction (though there's plenty of that), it spends a surprising amount of time on the relational dynamics of Butler's family. This effort to humanize the narrative amidst the CGI destruction derby is commendable, yet it's akin to trying to have a heartfelt conversation in the middle of a rock concert. You appreciate the attempt, but can't shake the feeling that something's off.
All in all, Greenland garners a lukewarm 3.5 stars out of 5. It's the cinematic equivalent of a reheated slice of pizza; it'll do in a pinch, but it's not exactly satisfying. The film straddles the line between thrilling and formulaic with the grace of a tightrope walker wearing clown shoes. It's ok, not because it's particularly groundbreaking or because it redefines the genre, but because it delivers exactly what it promises: Gerard Butler against the end of the world, again. And in a world starving for original content, sometimes, just sometimes, "ok" is good enough.