The Perfect Storm (2000)

Feeling guilty that I never had the chance to see it in theatres sixteen years when it was released, I had to wait until it was released on DVD before having the chance to see this gripping, but very emotionally charged film that is "The Perfect Storm". For a break from the monotony of giving away details I will without any spoilers, tell you all how I decided to watch this movie and how I'm recommending the movie community why this movie is something everyone should see this classic film. Before purchasing this movie, I kind of for a long time overlooked it and even ignored at the notion of watching this movie for the simple reason of not caring the least. I can't say I'm the biggest George Clooney aficionado, though he's a very talented performer and even Mark Wahlberg for that matter. Suffice to say these two performers are not in this movie for the girls to go gaga for. Their physical appearance is staggeringly quite scraggy and disheveled and very overwhelmingly worn out. On a plus side there is no Hollywood-like glorification in "The Perfect Storm." I was 15-years-old when "No-Name Storm" which was the name of "The Perfect Storm" was at the time came out back in October of 1991. At that age, weather was something that never crossed my mind. I vaguely remembered the events that happened 25 years ago except that there were three storms uniting within each other and that it was one of the scariest natural disasters in the East Coast I have ever witnessed. But there was more than just a nasty storm that erupted in the East Coast of North America than meets the eye. I didn't know that a ship was lost at sea in the midst of all this chaos. Then the book by Sebastian Junger came out and I neglected to read that as well. Then nine years later, the movie came into fruition, but the critics didn't have too much of a positive reception to it. Then after scurrying through the trailers, the documentaries and the making of the film, I was nevertheless curious to see what was the hype about this movie. I won't give away too many spoilers because we all know how a film like this will transpire. One thing for sure, the story's main focus isn't just circled around the fishing ship known as the Andrea Gail, but about an eager weather reporter who's enthusiastic to seeing the perfect storm materialize on his radar system, some subtle love subplots, another story about another ship that was saved, and the trials and tribulations the Navy encountered that led to the Andrea Gail being swallowed by the "perfect storm". For better understanding of the movie, I'd recommend you see the making of documentary. It was so inspiring that the crew went out of their way to film most of this movie off the coasts in Massachusetts. They even went as far to go in actual lobster and fishing boats and even took the occasional dip in eternally frozen waters to get the feeling of the cold and wetness of this awful storm. Clooney and Massachusetts' own Wahlberg got the chance to meet the locals there who have lost a family member/s who were on the Andrea Gail. It was cool that these families were portrayed in the movie and that the studio created special effects to make every scene all the more authentic. It shows that the crew were really doing their homework here. I suggest you all watch "The Perfect Storm." It's both technically done with no stone overturned and the the performances were very real and it shows how humans react when natural disasters hit close to home and where unity comes to life opposed to the divinity it is in our ordinary lives.

I like all the actors, and I think they did a reasonable job, and the effects were good, the story line was much more than just a bad storm, etc. etc. but the dramatic music throughout the movie was so distracting to the point that it became annoying. It got so that I was predicting...queue the happy elated music...queue the ominous music. It was a bit over the top for me. It reminded me of the Jurrasic Park movies which also contain over the top music. Otherwise, I would've voted for 7 or 8 as the movie did entertain me. I do appreciate good movie music, but film makers need to use it sparingly to enhance response, not create response. It's almost as if the music was a narrator, and I couldn't get past that.

This film, based on true events, tells the story of a swordfish fishing vessel who's caught in the middle of a colossal storm. It's a cinematic approach to the dangers of Grand Banks fishermen's face in real life. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, has screenplay by William D. Wittliff, based on the book by Sebastian Junger. The cast is headed by George Clooney (in the role of Billy Tyne, master of the fishing vessel) and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (in the role of Linda Greenlaw, captain of another ship), but also has other very talented actors like Bob Gunton, William Fichtner, John C. Reilly, Mark Wahlberg and Diane Lane.Since the beginning of time that the sailors and fishermen were subject to the dangers of sea and storms. This film talks about it, and a particular case that led to the loss of several lives when a storm of rare proportions explodes on the waters off of Gloucester, US. The script is well written and the story is touching. The sets and photography are blameless and the visual and sound effects are excellent, especially portraying the storm (indeed deserved the Oscar nomination precisely for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects). George Clooney was wonderfully in his role, giving him a huge personality, an old sailor soul who loves the sea, even with all the dangers of it. The cast, however, was all at a great level and manages to capture the sympathy of the audience, who suffers with them and go with them to the sea, eager to return to earth and get away from that cruel and rough waters.Although this movie has passed quietly and still be a film that is not much remembered, its an excellent disaster film (much better than others, showing disasters that never happen) that deals with facts that cost the lives of hundreds of fishermen and sailors every year. So, apart from a great movie, it's a beautiful tribute to these men and their families.

Here is that rare film that boasts incredible special effects but is also deeply moving on a human level.Filmed, seemingly, in Gloucester, Mass., a coastal town that has lost thousands of fishermen to stormy gales over the years, this film offers both a gripping plot and wonderful casting.George Clooney is convincing as the conflict-ridden Capt. Billy Tyne, lacking his customary grooming but still ruggedly handsome. There is excellent ensemble work here, among Mark Wahlberg, John C. Reilly, William Fichtner, John Hawkes, Diane Lane, and Rusty Schwimmer. (I was surprised to find Karen Allen of the Superman movies listed on IMDb's cast list for this movie. Could that have been her as Lane's mother?) The effects here are awesome but I also thoroughly enjoyed the old-salt atmosphere conjured in the Crow's Nest tavern. Hearing Rod Stewart pounded out by the bar's stereo system was perfect! I had originally seen this film when it came out in theaters, and it has thoroughly stood the test of time.As stunning as it is poignant!