Danny and Marcel wrap up their disaster film series with a deep dive into Mimi Leder's Deep Impact (1998), starring Tea Leoni, Morgan Freeman, Elijah Wood, and Robert Duvall. They compare it extensively to Armageddon, discuss the film's strengths and weaknesses, and explore why this more grounded disaster film deserves more recognition.
Film Overview:
Released five weeks before Armageddon in 1998
Originally intended for Steven Spielberg to direct
Focus on human drama over action spectacle
Stars Tea Leoni as journalist Jenny Lerner investigating what becomes humanity's biggest story
What Works:
Tea Leoni's performance as Jenny Lerner - compelling character arc about professional ambition vs. personal relationships
Mimi Leder's direction - excellent balance of intimate character moments with large-scale chaos
Morgan Freeman as President Beck - dignified, presidential performance
Journalism/conspiracy elements - the investigative thriller aspects in the first act
Emotional payoffs - particularly Jenny's final scenes with her father
Realistic approach to disaster storytelling compared to Armageddon
What Doesn't Work:
Elijah Wood's teenage romance subplot - feels disconnected and cringeworthy
Pacing issues - movie feels about 30 minutes too long
Underdeveloped space sequences - the astronaut storylines lack emotional impact
Too many characters without enough development time for each
Director Spotlight: Mimi Leder
Background in television (ER) translated well to managing ensemble chaos
Innovative cinematography (camera inside space helmets)
Unfortunately was put in "director jail" after this film's modest performance
Later found success in prestige television (The Leftovers, The Morning Show)
Comparative Analysis:
Deep Impact vs. Armageddon: More grounded, character-driven approach
Superior to other '90s disaster films like Volcano and Dante's Peak
Better emotional setup than The Day After Tomorrow for its destruction sequences
Both hosts prefer Deep Impact over Armageddon, praising its more realistic and emotionally grounded approach to disaster storytelling. They suggest the film would work excellently as a limited series, allowing more time to develop the various character perspectives.
Question of the Day: Best journalism movies - Marcel recommends Good Night and Good Luck, Danny suggests All the President's Men
The hosts are transitioning from disaster films to a rewatch of the Tom Holland Spider-Man trilogy while they work on securing guests for their next themed series.
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