Deep Rising
Here Is What You Need To Know:
Movie fans, it is sad when lots of cash is spent on silly scripts and given to a director who just don't have the experience to do the job. Deep Rising is one of those films. Writer-director Stephen Sommers, who would go on to work on Van Helsing and The Mummy movies, doesn't really deliver a strong story. Watching this flick, you know it was not cheap, as there is water everywhere and if Titanic, Waterworld and The Abyss have taught us anything, its that shooting under or in water costs big bucks.
Of course, Deep Rising is not on par with any of the above mentioned films but it tries. The story is a little bizarre and a bit of a mess as hijackers and thieves make their way onto a luxury liner full of rich boys and girls only to be confronted with a monster that is really an Alien rip off. Oh well, so much for creativity. I know your thinking that there must be more to the story. There really isn't.
What Was Cool:
-I hate to seem like a totally raging lesbian all the time, but Famke Janssen was so beautiful in the film. Come on she is amazing and her character was so very naughty. Crazy.
-The giant squid thing was sort of cool, some of the time.
-The film is decent escapist fun, that is if you just want to turn off your brain.
-Some work went into the water scenes.
What Was Stupid:
-The script was less than stellar. Deep Rising is basically a rip-off of Aliens. I am sure the pitch was along the lines of “Its Titanic but with monsters like the ones in Alien and Aliens on board.” Come on Stephen, come on.
-Sorry to go for the easy joke, but Treat Williams is no treat. Give a struggling waiter in LA a break!
The Film's Real Genius or Geniuses:
-Director Stephen Sommers, somehow was able to get this film made. Bravo, Mr. Sommers, bravo.
Overlooked Performance/Accomplishment:
-All the men and women who made the water works happen, as we all know what a challenge that is...
Story D
Use of Science D
Acting C
Portrayal of Women B
Visuals-VFX and Special Effects C
Visuals-Set Design/Props B
Wardrobe/Costumes B
Style/Sex Appeal B
Enjoyability Grade C
Home Theater/HD Factor B
Gut Check (Level of Studio Executive Guts) D (It was either stupidity or guts that prompted studio executives to give the thumbs up to Deep Rising. Given the size of the budget and scope of the project, it was an odd decision to say yes to this script.)
Overall Innovation D
Overall Grade C- (If you don't get your expectations too high and your giving your brain a holiday, then Deep Rising might be worth a look...if your a little desperate.)
A Little Fact About Cherie:
Like so many of us in the modern world, I am addicted to caffeine and coffee. Most of my reviews are coffee propelled. Does it show?
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