Outbreak 2: Pretension.
Well, it’s not really as bad as all that. But Outbreak was a more enjoyable movie.
If you keep reading, beware. There be spoilers.
This film had a slightly retro, clipped down style that I did enjoy.
If unfolds like a 70’s procedural (except for the attention to detail). The film follows the spread of a very deadly virus and all consequences.
And I do mean all consequences: scientific, political, societal, financial, you name it.
My favorite character was the amoral blogger (yep) played by Jude Law. He see’s the outbreak coming and seeks to profit by his hugely increased readership as the disease spreads. Jude Law needs to play more bad guys.
Lawrence Fishburn is a CDC luminary who’s team is tasked with fighting the disease in the US, but his real problems are navigating the political pitfalls that emerge (democracy is a goddamn hassle sometimes). Especial insanity occurs when it leaks that they might have a cure for the virus and there will be delays manufacturing it.
So there’s good here.
The problem I have is the consequences are too pat. Things work out for the good people (good defined by a strict eco-socialist definition) and the bad people are punished. Matt Daemon’s daughter is rewarded with life for waiting to bone her boyfriend until he is certified clean by the government. And there’s lots of stupid shit like that throughout the movie.
And lastly, the virus was a pretty cool story in and of itself but the conclusion of the film ruined it. The virus was caused by bats who were fleeing deforestation in Kowloon. Or nearby Kowloon. Whatever, it was retarded. This would be a better film if it stressed the indifference of nature instead of trying to be eco-preachy. Meh, I should have seen The Debt instead. That’ll be coming soon.