Netflix recently expanded its offerings by adding Geostorm, featuring Gerard Butler. This film has swiftly gained traction among subscribers, prompting viewers to reconsider their choices in the disaster genre. While many are drawn to Butler’s character, Jake Lawson, who battles a failing satellite system to save Earth from impending doom, there is a more celebrated film from the actor that deserves attention.
Released in late 2017, Geostorm managed to bring in just over $221 million globally, against a production budget of approximately $120–130 million. This resulted in a significant loss for Warner Bros., estimated at around $71 million.
As a scientist and satellite designer, Jake Lawson carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, striving to avert a climatic disaster after the satellite network malfunctions. However, despite its engaging premise, the film was met with harsh criticism upon release. Notably, it has persisted in the limelight since being added to Netflix, even eight years after its theatrical debut, although it primarily gathered negative reviews back then.
Gerard Butler’s Return to the Disaster Genre: Greenland
Greenland: A Different Kind of End-of-the-World Narrative
Three years after the release of Geostorm, Gerard Butler returned with Greenland, a film that offers a fresh narrative within the disaster genre. In this gripping story, a catastrophic comet threatens the planet rather than faulty satellite technology.
The film opens with Jake’s character, John Garrity, and his family anticipating an exciting comet spectacle from their Atlanta home. Initially thought to pass harmlessly near Earth, disaster strikes when a fragment devastates Florida, igniting widespread chaos as another piece is predicted to collide with Earth within days.
Without revealing further details about the plot, Greenland showcases the family’s desperate journey to survive amid apocalyptic events. John, alongside his estranged wife, Allison (played by Morena Baccarin), and their son Nathan (portrayed by Roger Dale Floyd), navigates the complexities of survival during this extinction-level event.
Just before the comet’s initial impact, John receives alarming news from the Department of Homeland Security, indicating that he and his family have been selected for emergency evacuation to a safe shelter, leaving countless others in peril.
Critical Reception: Why Greenland Outshines Geostorm
Divergent Critical Reception: Script Quality Matters
The two films, although both anchored in the disaster genre, have experienced dramatically different receptions from critics. Where Geostorm earned scathing reviews, Greenland garnered praise for its storytelling. On Rotten Tomatoes, the stark contrast is evident: Geostorm holds a mere 18% on the Tomatometer, while Greenland boasts a commendable 77%.
|
Gerard Butler Movie |
Release Date |
Worldwide Box Office |
RT Tomatometer Score |
RT Audience Score |
IMDb Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Geostorm |
October 20, 2017 |
$221.6 million |
18% |
35% |
5.3/10 |
|
Greenland |
December 18, 2020 |
$52.3 million (notably, its theatrical release was limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic) |
77% |
63% |
6.4/10 |
Critics condemned Geostorm for its clichéd visuals, weak script, and underdeveloped characters, leading to its failure both critically and commercially. In contrast, Butler’s return to the genre with Greenland was met with enthusiasm. The film was celebrated for its intense plot, relatable emotional undertones, and strong performances from the cast. Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times even compared it to the iconic War of the Worlds directed by Steven Spielberg.
Anticipating the Future: Greenland‘s Sequel
Coming Soon: Greenland: Migration Expected in 2025
Fans of Greenland can rejoice, as a sequel titled Greenland: Migration is confirmed to continue the gripping narrative. Butler, Baccarin, and Floyd will reprise their roles in this follow-up. Although a precise release date has yet to be announced, the film is anticipated to debut in 2025. This sequel is set to follow the Garrity family as they leave their bunker and venture into the ravaged remains of Earth, seeking a new sanctuary. Details remain scarce, but there is hope that the sequel will measure up to the quality of its predecessor rather than echoing the experience of Geostorm.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times