Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Death, destruction in intense, harrowing disaster flick.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Greenland
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
Based on 27 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is an intense and thrilling experience, filled with emotional and nerve-wracking scenes that depict a family trying to survive amidst a catastrophic event. While many enjoyed its action and storytelling, numerous reviewers cautioned that it may be too frightening and violent for younger audiences, recommending it for viewers aged 12 and up, particularly those who are mature enough to handle the intense situations presented.
- intense scenes
- age recommendations
- emotional impact
- violence levels
- family survival
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In GREENLAND, structural engineer John Garrity (Gerard Butler) lives with his estranged wife, Allison (Morena Baccarin), and their son, Nathan (Roger Dale Floyd), who has diabetes. While trying to work out their troubles, the couple throws a party to watch the arrival of a comet. Unfortunately, the comet isn't as harmless as expected, and it starts causing widespread destruction. John gets a phone call telling him that he's been selected to bring his family to a shelter. Alarmingly, none of his neighbors receive the same call. Upon arriving at the airport, the family discovers that Nathan's insulin is missing. When John goes back for it, the family is separated. Allison manages to leave a message for John telling him to meet her at her father's (Scott Glenn) house. Thus begins a harrowing journey across a dangerous landscape, with time running out.
Is It Any Good?
This uncommonly good, harrowing disaster movie elevates the stakes with its effective suggestion of international crisis and its personal touches on social status and marital discord. Stuntman-turned-director Ric Roman Waugh, who previously worked with Butler on Angel Has Fallen, casts the leading man in a different light in Greenland. John Garrity has made a mistake, and he's seeking redemption and forgiveness from his wife. He looks at her, full of pain and regret, and knows he must do anything he can to earn her love back. So after the comet hits, when he's asked to go above and beyond, his actions have a deeper meaning.
The clever idea of only certain people being selected for protection carries a great weight as well, creating instant animosity and guilt among the characters––as well as more conflict, since the heroes' shelter/protection wristbands make them targets. As a thriller, Greenland absolutely delivers, with huge visual effects and plenty of intense, dangerous moments that forgo the usual cheesiness of disaster movies. But none of it would have worked without the thought that went into the characters and their connections with one another. Extra credit goes to Glenn as Dale, Allison's father, who combines gruffness and tenderness in a tremendously moving way.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Greenland's violence. How did it affect you? Which parts were shocking, and which were thrilling? Why were they different?
What's the appeal of disaster movies like this one? Should we worry about a giant comet crashing into Earth?
Do you consider Allison a role model? Why, or why not? How do she and the other characters demonstrate perseverance?
What do you think is going on between John and Allison? What values are imparted?
Why does being "selected" or "not selected" in this story raise such feelings of animosity and guilt? Have you ever been "not selected" for something? How did it make you feel? Why?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : February 9, 2021
- Cast : Gerard Butler , Morena Baccarin , Scott Glenn
- Director : Ric Roman Waugh
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : STX Entertainment
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Family Stories ( Dads , Grandparents , Moms ) , STEM ( Nature )
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 119 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : intense sequences of disaster action, some violence, bloody images and brief strong language
- Last updated : January 18, 2026
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