As I sat down to watch the much-hyped Netflix film “Don’t Look Up,” I couldn’t help but feel a sense of cynicism wash over me. This was yet another Hollywood blockbuster, promising to shed light on the impending doom of climate change, but ultimately failing to deliver anything meaningful or substantial. A giant White Russian, and some heavy spiced chicken wings were not enough to rinse a bitter disappointment out of my mouth and my mind.
Boom. We Die.
The film follows two low-level astronomers who embark on a clownesque media tour to warn the world about an approaching asteroid that will and shall destroy Earth. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and wacky characters, including a pompous astronaut, dim-witted government officials, a hilarious US president, nymphomaniac news presenters, weed smoking hippies and a selfish billionaire.
While the “Don’t look up” all-star cast, including Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio, deliver solid performances, the film’s script falls flat. The jokes are tired and unoriginal, relying heavily on cheap shots at politicians and celebrities. The film’s message about climate change is shallow and vague, offering no solutions or calls to action. I like satire, I am proudly cynical by birth and nature, but this fell so flat on its face, it hurt to watch.
You deserve better
In the end, “Don’t Look Up” feels like nothing more than a superficial cash grab, using the looming threat of a natural disaster as a shallow plot device. It’s a disappointing and cynical attempt at addressing a critical issue facing our world today. Yes, it might have helped some people thinking about a gloomy future.
Don’t look (up)!
But really: If you’re looking for a film that will actually inspire you to take action on climate change, “Don’t Look Up” is not it. Instead, consider seeking out documentaries or films that offer a deeper, more nuanced exploration of the issue. There’s no time to waste on shallow, superficial entertainment when the future of our planet is at stake.
[end of rant]
