At surface level, “Greenland 2: Migration” is a sequel that justifies its existence. What happens after an extinction-level event? People continue living. Oftentimes, the audience isn’t able to see what this looks like years into the future.
“Greenland 2: Migration” gives viewers the chance to do that.
The film follows the Garrity family as they must leave the safety of their Greenland bunker to traverse a shattered world in search of a new home. It’s the follow-up to 2020’s “Greenland.”
A Rocky Start Before Spectacle Takes Over
“Greenland 2: Migration” is unsure of how to begin. It feels obligated to give viewers a recap while also attempting to start this new chapter of the story. This results in a jumbled introduction that tells more than it shows.
The movie is quickly able to recover, however.
While the contents of “Greenland 2: Migration” might not bring much new to the table, the movie is undoubtedly entertaining. The biggest thing it gets right: spectacle.
The film is visually stunning. Capturing both the beauty and horror of nature and humanity, “Greenland 2: Migration” excels. This allows the audience to step directly inside a fractured world, full of destruction and chaos.
Even when the story begins to feel stale, the entertainment never wavers. “Greenland 2: Migration” mixes its cinematography, editing and score to create genuinely thrilling moments. As characters fight for their lives, it feels real.
Many movies struggle with fabricated stakes. Not “Greenland 2: Migration.” These technical feats immerse you in the characters’ shoes as fragmented pieces of the comet strike Earth, tsunami waves roar or violent gusts of wind tear through the environment.
When the Heart Starts to Fade
Aspects of the film are fabricated, however. “Greenland 2: Migration” oftentimes loses the heart that the first film possessed. Much of the emotional and character-driven material is rushed, resulting in abrupt tonal shifts.
This also causes the movie to fall into a familiar pattern: thunderous action followed by a sentimental moment. Rinse and repeat. At a certain point, this rhythm begins to wear thin.
Despite this, “Greenland 2: Migration” manages to strike a chord in its conclusion. The familial element that “Greenland” nailed returns in the final moments, making the at-times exhausting journey worthwhile.
Performances and a Familiar Vision
Director Ric Roman Waugh returns. Just as in the first installment, his large-scale yet compact vision helps “Greenland 2: Migration” stand apart from other apocalyptic films. Yes, it’s about the end of the world – but it’s also about family. This balance is once again mostly successful, with the 98-minute runtime flying by.
Gerard Butler (John) excels in both the loud and quiet moments. He isn’t a traditional action star, but he brings the film’s intensity to life. At the same time, he remains the glue that holds the movie’s dramatic elements together.
Morena Baccarin (Allison) and Roman Griffin Davis (Nathan) star alongside Butler. While neither brings the same bite, they do enough to keep the family dynamic intact.
“Greenland 2: Migration” mixes spectacle and heart, largely succeeding in the process. If you’re a fan of the first installment, you’ll likely enjoy this sequel. It plays things safe, hits the required notes and doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Rating: 3 out of 5
