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When Armageddon hit theaters in 1998, audiences were captivated by its explosive action, heart-pounding drama, and larger-than-life cast led by Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck. But beyond its reputation as a blockbuster spectacle, the DVD release of Armageddon unveiled one of the film’s most unexpected treasures: Ben Affleck’s hilariously candid and unforgettable audio commentary. Widely considered one of the best of all time, Affleck’s commentary stands out for its raw honesty, self-deprecating humor, and insightful (yet often biting) critique of the movie’s plot, characters, and logic.
If you’ve never heard this commentary track, you’re missing out on one of the funniest and most revealing looks behind the curtain of a major Hollywood production. Here’s why it’s the best commentary of all time.
“Shut the f** up, Ben.”* — Ben Affleck’s Unfiltered Humor
One of the hallmarks of Ben Affleck’s commentary is how brutally honest he is about Armageddon’s plot, often pointing out the absurdities with biting sarcasm. Early on, Affleck recalls an exchange with director Michael Bay, where he asks a question most viewers likely thought to themselves:
"I asked Michael why it was easier to train oil drillers to become astronauts than it was to train astronauts to become oil drillers," Affleck says, chuckling. "He told me to shut the f*** up, so that was the end of that conversation."
This single moment sets the tone for the entire commentary. Rather than trying to justify the movie’s more outlandish elements, Affleck leans into the absurdity and turns it into comedic gold. His casual delivery and willingness to call out the film's flaws make the commentary feel more like listening to a witty friend rather than an actor who starred in the movie.
“I mean, my character’s name is AJ!” — Affleck’s Relentless Self-Deprecation
Another key reason why Affleck’s commentary is so beloved is his remarkable ability to poke fun at himself throughout the movie. He doesn't hold back when talking about the ludicrousness of his own character, AJ Frost, a hotshot oil driller who ends up training to become an astronaut.
"There’s this scene where AJ is supposed to be welding something," Affleck explains, sounding bemused. "You know, because oil drillers are also expert welders, apparently." His deadpan delivery adds another layer of humor as he goes on to roast not only his character’s skills but his entire presence in the movie.
Later, when the romantic subplot between AJ and Liv Tyler’s character Grace is introduced, Affleck can’t resist another jab at the over-the-top nature of it:
"I’m saving the world, and, of course, I gotta have time for a love scene in a space shuttle hangar. Because that’s realistic."
Affleck’s self-deprecating humor is refreshingly honest, and it’s rare to hear an actor critique their own role in such a candid manner.
"I asked Michael, 'Why are we pretending this is real?'” — Pointing Out the Movie’s Flawed Science
One of the most memorable aspects of Affleck’s commentary is how he continuously points out the film’s scientific inaccuracies. For a movie about drilling into an asteroid to save the world, the premise is far from scientifically sound. Affleck’s commentary acknowledges this head-on, taking aim at the many illogical moments in the film.
"I asked Michael, 'Why are we pretending this is real?'" Affleck laughs as he comments on the team’s unrealistic astronaut training sequence. "It’s completely ridiculous, right? I mean, NASA doesn’t work like this." He goes on to dissect the improbable plot points and wildly impractical aspects of the film’s portrayal of space travel, adding that at some point, you just have to "turn off your brain and enjoy the ride."
Affleck’s ability to voice what many viewers likely thought while watching the movie—without ruining the fun—adds to the enjoyment of his commentary. Instead of being bogged down by the implausibility of the story, he turns it into a shared joke with the audience.
“Why is my character in this scene? I’m totally irrelevant.” — The Art of Making Fun of Himself
Throughout the commentary, Affleck consistently questions the relevance of his character in the larger plot, delivering one of the best lines of the commentary when he says:
"I really don’t know why I’m in this scene. Bruce Willis is clearly the hero, and I’m just standing around trying not to get in the way."
His ability to laugh at his own role in the movie makes his commentary unique and endlessly entertaining. There’s a sense that Affleck is fully aware of how unnecessary his character can seem at times, and he’s more than willing to point it out. This kind of humor is rare in actor commentaries, which often serve as promotional material for the film. Affleck, however, embraces the ridiculousness of it all.
A Commentary Cult Classic
While Armageddon was critically divisive, Affleck’s commentary has developed a cult following, especially among fans who appreciate a more honest and irreverent take on Hollywood blockbusters. The charm of his track lies in its combination of self-deprecating humor, behind-the-scenes stories, and an unfiltered critique of the movie’s outlandish plot and lack of scientific accuracy.
For example, when the characters are gearing up to land on the asteroid, Affleck pauses to note, "I think we all learned something here today: drilling is a lot harder than flying to space."
It’s lines like these that make the commentary so iconic—it’s not just a supplement to the movie, but a companion piece that makes you appreciate the film’s chaotic nature even more.
The Enduring Appeal of Affleck’s Honesty
Even after more than two decades, Ben Affleck’s Armageddon commentary remains one of the most beloved and oft-quoted tracks in DVD history. His willingness to be brutally honest, paired with his natural wit, ensures that this commentary is still talked about today. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just enjoy witty critiques, Affleck’s commentary is a must-listen. It’s a rare case where the commentary elevates the viewing experience of the film, making you laugh and appreciate the sheer audacity of it all.
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Source: Dan Lalonde
Photo Credit: Walt Disney
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