The Perfect Storm

Starring: George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Diane Lane, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, John C. Reilly, William Fichner, Karen Allen, Michael Ironside, Christopher MacDonald
Directed by: Wolfgang Peterson
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Adventure, Drama
2000

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: A crew of fisherman (including Mark Wahlberg and John C. Reilly) set out with their Captain (George Clooney) for one last fishing expedition of the season. They take their boat, the Andrea Gail out and collect enough fish to make them all very wealthy. However, the return trip is marred by the combination of three storm fronts to create a perfect storm.

Review:

Tim: It is incredible to think that three storms actually combined to form the most powerful storm in recorded history in 1991. That wasn't too long ago at all.

Wolfgang Peterson directs a film focused on the fisherman and their families, who all just happen to get caught up in this storm. I like Peterson's insistance that these were just ordinary men faced with an extraordinary problem in this storm. It was just pure bad timing.

The cast is excellent. George Clooney is capable of carrying the film as always. He is just such an excellent actor and has such a knack for picking the best films to come down the pipeline. Mark Wahlberg is decent but not spectacular. John C. Reilly is always enjoyable to watch. Diane Lane is stunning as usual. I only wish she had more screen time. The rest of the cast isn't around enough to make a difference. The best scenes of the movie are when the main characters interact with one another. Clooney and Wahlberg's scenes are good, as are Wahlberg and Lane's.

The Perfect Storm becomes so nervewracking when the Andrea Gail heads directly into the storm and the rescue chopper goes down. You have two different storylines about men battling the elements and desperately trying to survive against insurmountable odds. Peterson uses some amazing special effects to capture the more frightening aspects of the storm.

This is a very intense and interesting movie to watch. It is not an action blockbuster, but has a good combination of adventure and serious drama. You won't soon forget this film.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Titanic, Twister, The Day After Tomorrow, Ocean's Eleven