Ghosts of the Abyss
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Movie Reviews of Ghosts of the Abyss
Movie Review: flawed, but worth a rental.
Summary: 3 Stars
Ghosts of the Abyss.
I caught this last weekend on DVD. This film is a curious mix of entertainment and science. In some cases it works, in others it doesn't.
First, what works: The Titanic. Going and exploring the innards of the great doomed liner. Great premise, especially considering that the level of exploration would be the most indepth ever. Letting the ship tell its story with minimal interference is essentual.
The crew as the explore in the MIRs is also good.
The overlaying CG to orientate where you were in the ship was a nice touch in the unrecognizable areas.
What doesn't work: Bill Paxton. Now, don't get me wrong as an actor I did like Bill Paxton. As a observer and narrator his bits about bathroom breaks in a sub, the nervous fussy demeanor and finally musing about going to his trailor - just one word. UGH. I know Jim Cameron is buddies with Bill but c'mon. Paxton totally took me out of the Titanic and made me focus on him. I'm sure it was unintended, but its an annoyance.
Getting in the way of the Titanic story. The long pieces with the crew above the ocean. I would've much rather seen more Titanic and less crew.
Feeling genuine. Paxton's stuff is absolutely scripted. That works against the realism of this piece in general. The beauty of Dr. Robert Ballard's National Geographic piece about the Titanic is that was very very honest. It was human. Cameron's piece while having touches of honesty, has elements of scriptedness. Which doesn't play well with me. This shouldn't be a piece of fiction, let the real people speak.
In the end, I can't say I loved this. I didn't. Much like Cameron reducing the real story of the Titanic to a background story in his 1997 film. He just clutters up the presentation with things he shouldn't. I love the Titanic story. Its an essentual life lesson and will continue to teach people as long as its told. I wish Jim Cameron had gotten more out of the way and let the ship be the star.
So, rent this. Then buy Dr. Robert Ballard's National Geographic special. Its far better.
Movie Review: Great footage...
Summary: 3 Stars
...of the wreck of the Titanic the way you've perhaps seen it many times before, but you had no idea what you were looking at... until now! If you're "a fan" (if that's what you call it), or interested in the myths of the wreck asleep 3800 metres below the surface - then watch this. Ghosts of the Abyss, as mentioned, explores deeper into the wreck than anyone has ever done before - and is amazing to watch. And you get to "see" what you're looking at because of the great computer-animation added, the pictures and footage of the Titanic "now and then" are mixed, a superb effect.
Some uninteresting material is also to find on the dvd, when for example one of the tiny "camera-submarines" (whatever they're called) gets stuck inside the wreck. If it's supposed to be funny the way they make a big scene out of its' rescue, well, I don't know. But it's a waste of time, and a little disrespectful considering the tragedy behind the old wreck.
Also Bill Paxtons' narration is sometimes a little too dramatic, "The Titanic never quite leaves you blablabla...". I don't want to act unsensitive here, but these should've been Kate Winslets' lines in an earlier movie.
Other than that, an interesting and impressive documentary!
Movie Review: Surprisingly good
Summary: 3 Stars
When I picked up this DVD I was concerned that there would be too much fluff due to the connection to the blockbuster movie (i.e., Bill Paxton). I was pleasantly surprised to find a number of quality images of the sunken ship, some interesting integration of CGI technology (overlaying and transitioning renderings of what the ship would have looked like), wonderful bits of trivia, and honest and illuminating moments of fear and elation among the crew (Paxton included). Sure, this isn't the meatiest documentary, but it is well-rounded enough to warrant at least one viewing. I think that you will find some great footage (some of the shots of the wood and glass work are splendid - then there is the nail-biter rescue of a submersible robot....).Movie Review: Beautiful treatment of Titanic--way too much Paxton!
Summary: 3 Stars
Visually, this movie is beautiful...I've never seen better Titanic footage, and the movie is woefully too short. I left the theater wanting more.The ghost-effects of seeing the long dead crew and passengers superimposed upon the wreck, and the 'then and now' shots are chilling.
BUT: There is wayyyyy too much Bill Paxton in this movie, which keeps me from giving it full stars. More Bill Paxton than anyone could possibly want. I realize that Cameron felt that the audience needed someone to relate to, some everyday yokel to go 'wow' etc and be our proxy for the experience, but really, it wasnt needed.
If this ever comes out on DVD I want more Titanic, and less Paxton, please.
Movie Review: NOT WHAT I EXPECTED
Summary: 1 Stars
I WAS EXCITED WHEN IT FINALLY CAME OUT ON VIDEO .MY FRIEND BROUGHT IT OVER AND WE WATCHED IT. IT BORED THE SOCKS OFF ME .THE ONLY COOL PARTS WERE WHEN THEY FINALLY WENT DOWN TO SEE THE TITANIC . SHE'S STILL SO BEAUTIFUL AFTER ALL THESES YEARS . IT WAS MORE LIKE A DOCUMENTARY THEY NEED TO SHOW MORE OF THE TITANIC.IAM SO GLAD I DIDN'T BUT IT .