White Squall
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Movie Reviews of White Squall
Movie Review: bridges punks my pissse
Summary: 5 Stars
Have youe ever seen waste?>Movie Review: Old fashioned adventure/tragedy
Summary: 4 Stars
"White Squall," the almost-forgotten 1996 high seas motion picture from acclaimed director Ridley Scott, is the kind of old fashioned adventure Hollywood and even Walt Disney used to churn out in the 1940s and 1950s. If you squint your eyes just right, you can almost see Gregory Peck or John Mills playing the lead role rather than the comfortably aged Jeff Bridges.But what sets "White Squall" apart from that long ago era of filmmaking are the modern conflicts the handful of youthful protagonists, high school students on a seasonal seafaring voyage, must go through. These kids, effectively played by such future stars as Scott Wolf and Ryan Phillipe, are dealing with a variety of painful issues including parental conflict, parental control and society rejection. What they learn from their stern captain/teacher and his colorfully eccentric crew are the lessons most children must eventually embrace -- the rewards of teamwork, discipline and nobility.
Bridges, in yet another terrific performance to add to his respectful resume, plays a no-nosense ship captain who leads a group of high school students on a seafaring voyage across the Caribbean and beyond. During their adventure, they encounter exotic locales, the Cuban military, first love and eventually, a terrifying storm bearing the ominous meteorological phenomenon known as the white squall.
Most viewers have probably seen such high adventures before, and the eventual resolution, where the boys band together as one to honor their befallen captain, is certainly not the most original of conclusions. But just beneath the surface of "White Squall," likely fueled by the vision of director Ridley Scott, is a celluoid tribute to a simpler more innocent time. The film, based on a true story, takes place in 1962 -- an era before man walked on the moon, before John F. Kennedy was assassinated, before computers ruled our household. "White Squall" is an effective tribute to old fashioned values, gritty teamwork and the simple truths of humanity.
Viewers desentisized by so much dreck that Hollywood offers today, will learn these truths much like the high school students on the deck of this creaking schooner. Scott whose work has often relied on flashy special effects ("Alien," "Blade Runner," "Gladiator"), has given us a film that glorifies the basic values of an innocent, golden time. When the white squall of the film's title slams into the ship, we are witnessing the end of an idyllic era and a storied way of life.
A poignant, touching experience, and one of Scott's finest films (which says a lot for this challenging, gifted director), "White Squall" is the kind of powerful moviegoing surprise viewers will want to welcome aboard again and again.
Movie Review: A tragic tale of bravery and courage...
Summary: 4 Stars
There is really no end to the amount of coming-of-age movies out there today. In fact `White Squall' is neither the first nor the last but it is one of my favorites. It reminds me quite a bit of `Dead Poets Society' but less cheesy and more emotionally resounding. I know that many won't agree with me on that last statement but I am proudly in the minority who believe that `Dead Poets Society' is extremely overrated.
`White Squall' is a true story about a group of teenage boys who board the Albatross, a school-boat (is that what it would be called) manned by Captain Christopher Sheldon. Aboard this boat these boys would learn, in addition to their normal schoolwork, how to sail, respect and rely on one another and thus be a real crew. These boys would learn the lessons to make them better men. Some of the boys are there because they crave the adventure, some are there because their parents want them to learn some values and others are there because they are really completely mistaken as to what the whole experience is all about. They aren't on a luxury cruise. They aren't on a vacation. This is work, this is school, this is learning and in essence this is life at its hardest yet most fulfilling.
Jeff Bridges has always been one of my favorite actors. He always brings a lot to his performances and he manages to even elevate mediocre material to new heights. Here he isn't handed anything mediocre and thus his performance is all the more lifted. As Caption Christopher Sheldon he displays a varying array of emotional responses to his young crew and commands their respect and attention. The cast of young actors is impressive as well, young Scott Wolf truly stealing the light. He plays Chuck, the films narrator and thus the films star. His performance is rich for his young age and may even be his finest performance to date. Others like Ryan Phillippe, Ethan Embry, Jason Marsden, Eric Michael Cole and Jeremy Sisto lend a hand at creating an authentic experience.
`White Squall' has some tender moments, some heartbreaking ones at that; most of which fall at the films conclusion. The final moments of the film will touch anyone's heart, and while certain moments may come off a little weepy they are effecting and work their magic on the audience. It may not be a perfect film but Ridley Scott (seriously one of the greatest directors working today) manages to direct his cast into moments of greatness and manages to capture the feel of the ocean in all its deadly beauty. Anyone craving a high seas adventure with heart, soul and a lesson will love this tragic true story or bravery and courage; courage not only to man the seas but to man your life.
Movie Review: A terrific coming-of-age movie!
Summary: 4 Stars
Jeff Bridges is very believable as Captain Christopher Sheldon, the skipper of the good ship Albatross. His mission is to teach a group of high school boys the way of the sea and of life. All of the boys have problems and, as written and portrayed, some are real heartbreakers. And director Ridley Scott has collected a handsome group of teen hunks to portray them. There is not a false note in any of their performances. Ryan Phillippe particular continues to surprise and impress me with his versatility. Whether it be the sensitive gay boy in T.V's "One Life to Live" or the overly confident and cocky jock of the film I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER he is always convincing. Phillippe is truly an actor that bears watching. Kudos also to John Savage as the ship's English teacher. It's nice to see this underrated actor try a different sort of role for a change.The cinematography is splendid but to appreciate it fully you must see a wide screen edition of the film. If not on DVD, perhaps there is a wide screen edition on tape somewhere. But the cinematography and sound are both worth buying a DVD player, if you haven't already done so, and purchasing this disc. This reviewer is always wary of films which are advertised as coming-of-age movies, but this one fits the bill. And everyone, including the skipper learns from their experiences. For that reason alone the film is film is worth owning. And who knows, you might just learn something from Captain Sheldon and crew of the Albatross! I know I did!Movie Review: Good in many ways
Summary: 4 Stars
The movie tells the true story of a group of boys finishing high school on board a sailing ship in the early 60's. It's a coming of age film in a sense and there is the requisite high jinks and conflict that must fill in the gaps of an otherwise thoughtful journey that must come to a dramatic climax.
Most everything comes together nicely and if you like the ocean, sailing ships or going on a journey into the unknown, you would do well to see this movie. Nothing too silly or gratuitous.
The original music is very nice and even haunting at times.
As you watch it, think of a journey you want to take and let it inspire you to make it so. The opening sequence with Scott Wolf doing the voiceover and setting the stage for what is yet to come is simple, but compelling as he embarks upon his quest for meaning.
The ending with Jeff Bridges and the final summation by Wolf is powerful. It's a story of change and who among us can't identify with that.
Finally, enjoy the very appropriately chosen tune by Sting called "Valparaiso" as the credits roll.