The Abyss (1989)

Posted : 1 month, 4 weeks ago at Sep 11 1:23

Or Maybe even "The Day The Ocean Stood Still". We humans are a species capable of our own destruction. Or of our own salvation. And though sometimes, it's can seem like we're going down the road of total annihilation, there's still enough within us to choose otherwise. At least, that's the kind of hope the water-breathing life-forms from outer space in this film seem to hold about us. Personally, I think this is James Cameron's masterpiece. It's actually two stories in one. The alien storyline that provides the twist for the film, crossed over with the tension building plot involving the scientific crew & the naval SEAL team. And both plots, while differently paced, are still very excellently executed. Now, while the edited version that was originally released into theatres is a fine...Read more

Rating : 9/10

Posted : 9 months, 4 weeks ago at Jan 12 13:24

The Abyss is a compelling watch with awesome seqences and tense pacing that keep the adventure nerve-wracking. The adventure is epic, from the mutinies on the rig to when the film goes deep into the heart of fantasy. There are so many amazing set peices in this peice from the rescue mission of the submarine, encounters with alien, the underwater battles to the heart moving redemption of love. Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio work so well opposite each other. There hating relationship of both wanting to be in control and run the show makes such a great dynamic and throughout the film the rekindling of thier love is offered so teniously so when they finally do get back together it makes a real difference. I really think this film is a modern Sci-Fi classic and that it offers a journ...Read more

Rating : 8/10

Posted : 1 year, 6 months ago at Apr 28 1:11

"These guys are about as much fun as a tax audit." James Cameron was indisputably one of the most influential directors throughout the 20th Century; with each new film brought new groundbreaking special effects as well as mind-blowing, innovative concepts. The Abyss is undoubtedly a top notch, extraordinarily well made film that can be regarded as more of an underwater adventure film than a sci-fi outing. Being a big fan of Cameron's prior films, I was eager to see this one and I was far from disappointed. During the height of the Cold War, a group of oil rig workers are assigned by the navy to investigate a nuclear submarine that mysteriously sunk somewhere in the depths due to causes unknown. The navy suspects the Russians are behind the mysterious attack, and scramble to get ...Read more

Rating : 8/10

Posted : 2 years, 2 months ago at Aug 22 4:52

In The Abyss, James Cameron weaves a number of plot lines - a rescue mission for a submarine, encounters with alien life, the perils of the Cold War and the redemption of love - in a manner that actually works until the ending. The movie is at its most successful when it plays on your fears of the deep to create a tense atmosphere. What is more remarkable is that the special effects and cinematography are still stunning after 18 years. While the characters may be stereotypical at times, the actors make you care what happens to them. Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio do a great job in walking the tightrope between intense and vulnerable as the estranged couple who come to settle their differences. Michael Biehn is wonderfully over the top in playing the rapidly unraveling Na...Read more

Rating : 7/10