The Abyss
Here Is What You Need To Know:
Movie fans, have you noticed that every few years we get handed a underwater alien movie? What do the powers that be know that we mere slaves don't? The Abyss, written and directed by James Cameron, is one ambitious film, as so much of it takes place underwater and was shot in a massive water tank.
The film follows the underwater outing of a group of oil rig workers who are sent into the darkness of the ocean to look for a downed submarine and find alien lifeforms. The highlight of The Abyss is, not surprisingly, the cool looking aliens, as the computer generated images used in the film were very cutting edge in 1989. Cameron is so good at what he does, but The Abyss lacks some focus and seems confused as to what kind of movie it wants to be. If you haven't seen The Abyss, you definitely should as its a great way to see Cameron's work progress and, while the film is good, it also shows he is human.
What Was Cool:
-The underwater scenes are just great
-The CGI used for the aliens was eye-popping back when the film was released. These days it might be good enough for a music video, maybe, but back in the old days...
-The Abyss darts around a bit in terms of the story, but not so much as to lose the audience.
What Was Stupid:
-This was an obviously expensive movie, which needed better pacing and more excitement.
The Film's Real Genius or Geniuses:
-In The Abyss one can clearly see that James Cameron has some serious ability. From this film it is clear that Cameron was to go on to do great things, that was if he didn't die of a drug overdose or self-destruct which is the pastime in self-indulgent Tinseltown.
Story B
Use of Science B
Acting B
Portrayal of Women B
Visuals-Visuals and Special Effects A
Visuals-Set Design/Props A
Wardrobe/Costumes A
Style/Sex Appeal C
Enjoyability Grade B-
Home Theater/HD Factor B+
Gut Check (Level of Studio Executive Guts) A (Let us give the studio executives a shiny “A” for The Abyss as the executives always get their panties in a bunch when anyone says they want to work in water, so bravo.)
Overall Innovation A
Overall Grade B (Could have been a lot better, but still entertaining.) And just be forewarned the end is notoriously lame.
A Little Fact About Cherie:
I am afraid of the water, who the hell knows what is under there? It just goes down for thousands of feet. Its crazy to go in there. What the hell?
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