Rating of
1.5/4
Sink it back to the bottom of the sea!
Indyfreak - wrote on 08/15/21
Mega-budget misfire based off the bestselling novel. The centerpiece moment where the famed ship is brought up to the surface (in one piece) is actually a spectacular sequence. It’s a triumph of balancing the music, pacing, and visual effects. It’s a shame that the rest of the movie is so boring.
Speaking as a big fan of the Clive Cussler book series, Richard Jordan is miscast as the daredevil adventurer Dirk Pitt. He’s too passive and he’s barely ever involved in the ‘action’ in the plot. Although this movie’s definition of action is dimly lit underwater scenes with submarines simply drifting in the dark.
Jason Robards is not a bad choice for the cantankerous Admiral Sandecker. Film legend Alec Guinness is in this movie and he tries to add some humor to it.
I’ve heard about how good John Barry’s musical score is for the movie. And it’s honestly the best thing about it. The music does add some gravitas to otherwise completely dull moments. It deserves a better movie.
If you’re interested in seeing an action-adventure movie featuring Dirk Pitt, watch the Matthew McConaughey film Sahara instead. It’s far more entertaining and a lot more fun.
