A POLITICALLY-charged disaster movie about global warming is burning up the George Bush campaign, while John Kerry backers hope "The Day After Tomorrrow" will sway eco-conscious voters to their side. The partisan swirl surrounding the $125 million thriller is underscored by Al Gore's decision to hold a huge environmental rally just a few blocks away from the May 24 premiere at the Museum of Natural History. [Mr. Irrelevant rides again]
Directed by "Independence Day" helmer Roland Emmerich, "The Day After Tomorrow" follows the onset of a new Ice Age just three days after the polar ice caps melt because of smokestack and tailpipe gas emissions. The flick, which stars Dennis Quaid and Jake Gyllenhaal, features the flooding and freezing of New York and giant tornadoes ripping through Los Angeles.
In addition to the rally, hosted by Bush-bashing political group Moveon.org, volunteers will be recruited to hand out global warming brochures titled "Could This Really Happen?" at theaters.
"'The Day After Tomorrow' presents us with a great opportunity to talk about the scientific realities of climate change," Gore said in a statement to Daily Variety's Gabriel Snyder. "Millions of people will be coming out of theaters on Memorial Day weekend asking the question, 'Could this really happen?'"
While the ecological catastrophes depicted in the flick are nearly impossible to imagine happening in the near future, it hasn't stopped the Bush administration from treating the would-be blockbuster with caution. The Times reported that NASA ordered its scientists not to comment about "Day" because of fears that it could hurt Bush politically. [Anyone believe this?] Moveon.org executive director Peter Schurman says "Day" is "the movie George Bush doesn't want you to see."
Bush spokesman Terry Holt fumed: "It's typical of Al Gore to not be able to separate fact from fiction. I think Gore's attempt at political mischief-making is just an attempt to get attention for himself. People know what they're watching is entertainment, and not grounded in basic scientific fact."
If you ever get the chance to freep algore that brilliant comment must become a sign.
"the movie George Bush doesn't want you to see."
The sure fire phrase to get dem kooks to pack the theater.