Leofwine_draca
A good example of what all popular blockbusters should be like in a perfect world: character-focused dramas, where the special effects are used to fit the storyline and not to simply make up for the lack of a storyline. THE PERFECT STORM is definitely one of the best films of 2000, which in itself was a pretty good year for movies, and works because of the characterisation and acting involved, factors which really make us care about the people in the film before putting them through their paces.Nobody really puts a wrong foot here, whether it's George Clooney as the weather-beaten captain who won't take no for an answer, or Mark Wahlberg as a fresh-faced rookie who stays loyal to his captain through the hardest times. As well as these two, the whole load of actors playing the crew members are fine, playing refreshingly non-clichéd characters. Acting stalwarts Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Michael Ironside also show up to lend some solid support in what is a uniformly excellent cast.The CGI effects of huge 100 foot waves are seamlessly integrated into the actual water used on set, so that you're never less than convinced that what we see is taking place in the ocean - credibility gives this film a big plus. The pacing is slow at first, as we get introduced to the situation, but the build-up and the final battle for survival is phenomenal and breath-taking, which is what a good disaster movie should be. And all the time avoiding the typical clichés which a number of recent movies keep falling into. Also, for a mainstream film, the film is unusually downbeat in a poignant way, made all the more heart-rending due to the fact that it's a true story. THE PERFECT STORM is a film for all the family and a fine example of what a disaster movie should be; not much could be done to better it, in fact.
Aki Rantakolmonen
This wasn't my first time when I watched this movie. I think I have seen it at least once before, but it's been quite long time..Yeah, title says everything. Impressive movie. Acting and plot isn't the best what I have seen, but that's not the movies point - being full of movie stars and plot twists. It's catastrophe movie after all. And based on true story.The ending is wistful, but I guess this was what happened then. I think this would be even better if this wouldn't based on true story and everybody don't die. Still, very good movie.
Python Hyena
The Perfect Storm (2000): Dir: Wolfgang Petersen / Cast: George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, John C. Reilly, Diane Lane, William Fichtner: Disaster film that rides viewers through two hours of storms, winds and swordfish to reveal an ending that had me wanting to give it away to those awaiting to rip themselves off. Based on a true story with a storm that is beyond perfect. George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg and a host of other fishermen journey to the Atlantic to catch fish but upon their way back they are caught within a massive storm. Cliché filled bore directed by Wolfgang Petersen who previously made another laugh rendered action farce called Air Force One. Terrific special effects are only plus but the cast basically sleepwalk through the entire film. Clooney, Wahlberg, John C. Reilly, and Diane Lane are at the mercy of special effects and none of it is very remarkable. There is a vague subplot that involves William Fichtner as a former lover to the John C. Reilly character's wife but it really doesn't matter. This film exists purely for its production values despite its ad campaign boasting its true story bases. It is nearly two hours of torture watching these fisherman meet their death. What is the sense in that? All this work within a screenplay that isn't worth a dime of it. The best way to deal with a film of this disappointing nature is to flush it down the toilet so that it may ride the waves it deserves. Score: 2 / 10
orourkec-292-269155
I really enjoyed Perfect Storm and I thought it was a thrillingly mesmerizing and suspenseful ride from beginning to end. What I'm particularly glad about having experienced from this movie is that I was able to feel the waves, waves splashing against the boat and the rain and felt as if I was in the middle of it all. A few other great things from this movie include the fact that the acting is excellent, that the film doesn't drive away from some of the characters' personal conflicts and problems, that you could feel the American essence in this movie and that the computerized waves are visually well designed and dark and designed in such a way that you can feel as if you were close to them. One flaw however is that the movie focuses a bit too much on the action and lacks any felt dramatization during the big main middle parts of the film's viewing. That's the one crucial element that I felt the movie was badly missing, unfortunately. Nevertheless the movie's positive points that I've listed in my review manage to save the day completely for me. My rating: 7.5/10
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