Reviews of The Abyss

"Close Encounters Of The Under-Water Kind"....

Posted : 1 month, 4 weeks ago on 11 September 2009 01:23 (A review of The Abyss)

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 film, for my money, the uncut version is what truly reveals just how great this movie really is.



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Exciting Journey through the Deep

Posted : 10 months ago on 12 January 2009 01:24 (A review of The Abyss)

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 journey that gives you a real sense of exploration and discovery. A must watch for Sci-Fi fans.

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Solid sci-fi adventure!

Posted : 1 year, 6 months ago on 28 April 2008 01:11 (A review of The Abyss)

"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 to the site of the submarine before the Russians get there first. While the operation is being executed, freak weather conditions damage the platform and sever its communication with the surface. As World War III looms above and tensions rise between the divers and a deployed SEAL team, the rescuers discover that there is something else in the deep abyss of the ocean besides the submarine.

The film is told at such a snail pace but is full of state-of-the-art special effects to capture the imagination of Cameron's inspirational ideas. Each new creature only heightens the 'wow' factor of the overall production. The film's only real flaw was the convoluted dialogue that becomes hard to follow. But on the other hand, James Cameron tells the story exceptionally well.

The production design is great, as are the Oscar winning special effects that are outstanding for its age. Although they may look a tad weak compared to today's standards, they were utterly groundbreaking upon first release. I found Cameron's direction throughout to be almost flawless.

The atmosphere allows the audience to really get into the action unfolding on the screen. This wouldn't have been possible without the engaging performances as well. Ed Harris was very good in the principal role. Kudos to the production team for giving the audience the sense that there was no escape. Thanks to their remarkable work we can feel the tension and the fear of the characters.

Overall, The Abyss is a groundbreaking masterpiece from a wizard of modern filmmaking. My respect for Cameron can only heighten with each new film he produces. The Abyss is a landmark film and an extraordinary experience. One not to be missed!

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Save me from the ending!

Posted : 2 years, 2 months ago on 22 August 2007 04:52 (A review of The Abyss)

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 Navy SEAL team leader.

My main problem with The Abyss is that the coda neatly ties up the movies plotlines in one grand Hollywood-style gesture.
This feel good ending doesn't do the previous 2 and half hours of the movie justice at all. If The Abyss ended 15 minutes earlier I would have been very satisfied.

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