Polar Storm (2009)

As far as this movie goes it's pretty safe to say that its' not going to win any awards so I have to agree with those reviewers that have said it it isn't in their top 10 so-to-speak. However, I DON'T agree with several who seem to have gone out of their way to castigate the film in every way possible either. It's obvious that the budget was low and bearing that in mind I think the overall result wasn't that bad at all. The acting was fairly sound, Jack Coleman, Holly Elissa and Terry Mulligan were convincing in their respective roles - and I think one reviewers 'apology' for Canada producing such a rubbish film was both unnecessary and over-the-top. The subject matter about shifting Poles causing Magnetic Storms after a Meteor hits earth is a well-used one we know BUT this WAS really more of a family-film type entertainment and NOT in the genre of Alien or Predator.The scenery used was impressive and I think as 'Family Entertainment' there has been a lot worse.

The only redeeming feature of this incredibly poor wannabe clone of "The Core" is they probably threw significantly less money down the toilet.What a complete load of garbage. I'd rather watch a test card.If you want details:The script was appallingly repetitive and naive. The acting was more wooden than a sequoia. The special effects must have cost 90% of the budget. And the budget can't have been that big. The story was thoughtless and should never have made it past a one page sum up. The ending was farcical and predictable.Oh dear God I could go on, but if I wrote a thousand words tearing this minger to pieces it still wouldn't do it justice.

POLAR STORM is a better than average original Sci Fi Channel disaster movie. The Earth is gearing for a close encounter with a comet/meteor only to be hit by a portion of its tail; landing in Alaska. This collision seems to have shifted the earth on its axis causing the poles reversal of magnetism. In Washington state, Dr. James Mayfield(Jack Coleman) with help of his science teacher wife(Holly Dignard), must warn the world it is in for some strange happenings; including possible annihilation. Peoples of the world get concerned when miniature poles beginning popping up fueling the magnetic storm. Dr. Mayfield runs up against resistance when the President(Roger R. Cross) and his own father General Mayfield(Terry David Mulligan)ignore the call to warn the world of how much danger it is in.

This movie is along the lines of most Sci-Fi Channel movies, but definitely a tad better - mostly because it tackles a different theme (magnetic storms / polar shift) and has a good lead character.The basic setup of the story is that a fragment of a comet has hit earth and strange electrical storms are popping up in multiple locations. There are two sub-stories: (1) a scientist (Jack Coleman from the TV series "Heroes") tries to warn the government that the storms are going to get worst, not better and (2) the scientist's son and wife are trying to escape an area hit by one of the storms.One thing that's very impressive is that the story can be effectively told within the budgetary constraints typical to these types of movies. The filmmakers put just the right amount into effects (simple, but passable), locations (small towns/open roads) and the number of characters (very few) to make it work.Furthermore, Jack Coleman and Holly Dignard (who plays his wife) are decently interesting to watch - so that helps. Both carry an air of seriousness that helps keep the atmosphere of the movie in urgency mode.If you're sick of the channel's overused themes (mutant undead/rat/insect/etc.), then this is a step up from that. It's not really good or great, but if you're hunting for sci-fi on TV and nothing else is on ... might as well watch this.