Iñárritu takes big swings, and here he dares to evoke iconic works such as Citizen Kane and Dr. Strangelove. But Digger, bedazzled with the production design and theatrical effects a big budget can buy, can’t match those films’ originality or bite.

...raises questions about the function and practice of art in bleak and hopeless times.

Even with all the imagery of rising coastlines and submerged streets, Iñárritu knows where he resides. He can’t help but remind us that it’s on the little patch of moral high ground reserved for those who Get It.

Maybe it shouldn't be surprising that men as self-serious as Cruise and Iñárritu can’t do comedy, but the film's cinematic sleight of hand isn’t sharp enough to compensate for the dearth of decent gags.