When plans for a remake of “When Worlds Collide” were scrapped, film producers, Richard D. Zanuck & David Brown discuss with Steven Spielberg on a potential film adaptation of Arthur C. Clarke’s “The Hammer of God” about an asteroid heading towards Earth astronauts must race against time to use thermal fusion rockets to blow it up. The producers and Mr. Spielberg worked in an original script as a spiritual successor titled, “Deep Impact.” Originally planned to direct the project, Steven dropped out due to scheduling conflicts with “Amistad” and Disney’s announcement they’re making another similar asteroid film, “Armageddon.” DreamWorks hired Mimi Leder as director while Steven served as an executive producer.
Released in 1998, (same year The Thin Red Line came out) Deep Impact earned mixed reviews from critics and was a a box office hit. Anyway, I have two good reasons why I wanna share my opinion on this late ‘90s disaster flick.
- Steven Spielberg’s upcoming film, “Disclosure” with Emily Blunt & Colin Firth will be released in June 12, 2026.
- Elijah Wood will attend Fan Expo Dallas 2026 along with most of the cast from “The Lord of The Rings Trilogy.” The aforementioned three-day event will commence on September 11-13. I have plans to take my pic with Elijah & Sean Astin.
This review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving ya fellas a chance to check out this late ‘90s flick.
Smart & Dull Qualities
Smart: Morgan Freeman, Elijah Wood, Robert Duvall & Tea Leoni all did a superb job for their respective performances.
Other Cast Members such as Jon Favreau, Kurtwood Smith & Vanessa Redgrave all did a decent job for their respective performances.
Mimi Leder (The Peacemaker, Pay It Forward) did a good job directing.
Bruce Joel Rubin & Michael Tolkin co-wrote the script.
James Cromwell makes a brief appearance.
James Horner (Aliens, Braveheart, The Mask or Zorro) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Visual Effects still hold up for a 1998 movie. Way better than Roland Emmerich’s god awful “Godzilla” remake.
Cinematography’s shot in stable condition lacking technical issues throughout.
Deep Impact and Armageddon aren’t the only movies that came out in 1998 with a similar theme. It was probably a trend back then.
- A Bug’s Life & Antz (Insects)
- Lethal Weapon 4 & Rush Hour (Buddy Cop Action Comedy)
- Small Soldiers & Bride of Chucky (Toys/Dolls)
- The X-Files & The Rugrats Movie (‘90s Show)
- The Parent Trap & Godzilla (Remakes)
- The Mask of Zorro & Blade (Superheroes)
- Enemy of the State & Mercury Rising (NSA Action Thriller)
- Saving Private Ryan & The Thin Red Line (WWII Epics)
Unlike Armageddon, Deep Impact didn’t heavily rely on astronauts recruiting oil drillers to become astronauts. The astronauts themselves drilled the asteroid.
Fun Facts
- Dave Chappelle later spoofed Morgan Freeman as the U.S. President in “Chappelle’s Show.”
- The President said he believes in God. Mr. Freeman went on to play God in “Bruce Almighty” & “Evan Almighty.”
NASA scientists and astronomers worked as science consultants providing scientific accuracy.
Due: The movie’s a tad dated. For instance, there’s an establishing shot of the Twin Towers. MSNBC was new at the time. Nowadays, they’re a joke like has-been, Tom Arnold in “The Stupids.”
My least favorite plotline involving reporter, Lerner. Not Tea’s fault. I’m just saying her scenes are quite boring.
The Final Verdict: B, FOR BIGGER AND BETTER!
I consider Deep Impact slightly better than Armageddon. I’ve given the latter an average grade, B-. The equivalent of a 7/10. If you wanna compare both and contrast Deep Impact & Armageddon, perhaps a double header. Which one do you think is superior? Please leave a comment and don’t forget to subscribe for more reviews.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 