Drama of 'Deep Impact' fails to make deep impression

As the first of the summer movies to bombard the multiplexes, "Deep Impact" has the advantage of catching movie-goers in a vulnerable state. Bored after a winter that offered little beyond "Titanic," and not yet numbed to the fantastic, computerized effects that will prevail in most of the other blockbusters this summer, the public will inevitably flock to theatres to see earth destroyed in this new film from director Mimi Leder ("The Peacemaker").

Unfortunately, many will likely walk away disappointed, as the movie fails to live up to the two hours of adrenaline-pumping wreckage suggested by the previews.

In the picture, the discovery of a comet the size of New York hurtling towards earth and the subsequent effects on the lives of its characters. A television anchorwoman played by Tea Leoni (NBC's "The Naked Truth") must come to terms with her parents' failed marriage before the disaster. The boy who discovered the comet (Elijah Wood) discovers fame and love, and Robert Duvall leads a team of astronauts off into space to meet the comet and try to stop it.

The quality of the performances in the film varies from acceptable to atrocious. Morgan Freeman's role as the President of the United States, while neither prominent nor demanding, is well done. He radiates the warmth and commands the respect of the best Hollywood Presidents. Elijah Wood as a boy dealing with young love for the first time is believable. Robert Duvall, like Freeman, plays a role that requires little real acting ability, but unlike Freeman, Duvall fails to impress.

Tea Leoni's performance may be most obvious flaw of "Deep Impact." Her acting skills evidently have not evolved one iota since her failed television program.

REVIEW
	Deep Impact 2 stars At Briarwood and Showcase

Never once is her performance even vaguely convincing. Every line she speaks is flat and uninspired, as if she is reading from a cue card.

In one scene, when she makes her first broadcast as an MSNBC anchorwoman, each line she says is so robotic and unbelievable that it's a wonder she ever made it into Hollywood.

Since it's her first broadcast, one thinks that perhaps she's supposed to be acting timid and stage-frightened. Soon, though, the audience learns the sad truth through her co-workers' compliment - her character is supposed to be charming and well-suited for television. Her miserable first broadcast was terrible only because Leoni couldn't make it convincing.

But the real problem with "Deep Impact" spawns not from its lack of outstanding performances, but from more important plot issues.

This film couldn't decide what it wanted to be. Similarly marketed films, such as "Independence Day" and "Twister," make it no secret that all they intend to deliver is eye-candy. They do not suggest any deep morality issues, and they rarely deliver performances beyond the standard fare.

"Deep Impact" tries to juggle these dumbed-down action movie characteristics with some of the traits of more character-oriented films. In its attempt to be a jack-of-all-trades, the film ends up being the master of none. The character development surpasses that of most other action movies, but most of the action is reserved for the very end, as most of the film is devoted to the characters.

The movie doesn't provide the excitement of most other thrill-a-minute summer blockbusters that don't waste time delving into each character.

"Deep Impact" was just too boring. As a character-driven drama, it can't hold a candle to the masters of the genre. The characters, despite two hours of attempting otherwise, are unoriginal and shallow. And for an action film, it is conspicuously void of action - aside from an impressive finale. Although a worthy effort, "Deep Impact" fails to impress.

05-11-98