Greenland

Dear Mark,

Greenland is an enthralling textbook disaster movie, hitting all the genre conventions in an enticing two hour romp for survival. The 'Before The Fall' genre component is established as we meet John Garrity, his estranged wife and their son trying to re-build their life after an apparent indiscretion. The mood is fragile but hopeful as the 'Disaster Strikes' ingredient starts to take shape in the form of a human obliterating comet hurtling its way towards earth. The world is then turned upside down as a tense battle for survival ensues, with the added complexity of a government selection process of the most desirable candidates for survival who will be flown off to Greenland for the best chance of emerging alive from the assault of the comet. The inevitable 'Obstacles' segment arrives with all the intensifiers required to satiate the audience's appetite for disaster as the protagonists' fight to get to Greenland is hampered by heart-stopping setbacks. These setbacks, of course, require a 'Crazy Plan' section, which is duly honoured by the film's commitment to genre.

Many films pride themselves on occupying liminal pockets of space between classifications, however, Greenland is refreshingly clear in its remit, and sometimes, that is exactly what the viewer desires. There are added layers of forgiveness from marital discord, overwhelming parental love, and stark dichotomies between the very best and very worst of humanity. Indulge and enjoy this formulaic treat.