The Perfect Storm (2000)

Sorry, this movie sucks

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

A good example of what all popular blockbusters should be like in a perfect world: character-focused dramas, where the special effects are used to fit the storyline and not to simply make up for the lack of a storyline. THE PERFECT STORM is definitely one of the best films of 2000, which in itself was a pretty good year for movies, and works because of the characterisation and acting involved, factors which really make us care about the people in the film before putting them through their paces.Nobody really puts a wrong foot here, whether it's George Clooney as the weather-beaten captain who won't take no for an answer, or Mark Wahlberg as a fresh-faced rookie who stays loyal to his captain through the hardest times. As well as these two, the whole load of actors playing the crew members are fine, playing refreshingly non-clichéd characters. Acting stalwarts Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Michael Ironside also show up to lend some solid support in what is a uniformly excellent cast.The CGI effects of huge 100 foot waves are seamlessly integrated into the actual water used on set, so that you're never less than convinced that what we see is taking place in the ocean - credibility gives this film a big plus. The pacing is slow at first, as we get introduced to the situation, but the build-up and the final battle for survival is phenomenal and breath-taking, which is what a good disaster movie should be. And all the time avoiding the typical clichés which a number of recent movies keep falling into. Also, for a mainstream film, the film is unusually downbeat in a poignant way, made all the more heart-rending due to the fact that it's a true story. THE PERFECT STORM is a film for all the family and a fine example of what a disaster movie should be; not much could be done to better it, in fact.

This film, based on true events, tells the story of a swordfish fishing vessel who's caught in the middle of a colossal storm. It's a cinematic approach to the dangers of Grand Banks fishermen's face in real life. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, has screenplay by William D. Wittliff, based on the book by Sebastian Junger. The cast is headed by George Clooney (in the role of Billy Tyne, master of the fishing vessel) and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (in the role of Linda Greenlaw, captain of another ship), but also has other very talented actors like Bob Gunton, William Fichtner, John C. Reilly, Mark Wahlberg and Diane Lane.Since the beginning of time that the sailors and fishermen were subject to the dangers of sea and storms. This film talks about it, and a particular case that led to the loss of several lives when a storm of rare proportions explodes on the waters off of Gloucester, US. The script is well written and the story is touching. The sets and photography are blameless and the visual and sound effects are excellent, especially portraying the storm (indeed deserved the Oscar nomination precisely for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects). George Clooney was wonderfully in his role, giving him a huge personality, an old sailor soul who loves the sea, even with all the dangers of it. The cast, however, was all at a great level and manages to capture the sympathy of the audience, who suffers with them and go with them to the sea, eager to return to earth and get away from that cruel and rough waters.Although this movie has passed quietly and still be a film that is not much remembered, its an excellent disaster film (much better than others, showing disasters that never happen) that deals with facts that cost the lives of hundreds of fishermen and sailors every year. So, apart from a great movie, it's a beautiful tribute to these men and their families.

There are many films with ensemble cast but most of them do not really seem to work.The cast of this film really seem to work because the cast was chosen very carefully with stars like George Clooney, and Mark Wahlberg, and many others talented actors who all deliver powerful performances with Diane Lane giving one of her best performances. Wolfgang Petersen has directed films with similar emotional traits Like his 1981 masterpiece Das Boot. These stories are completely different from each other but having some similarities in that each film is a story about the courage and will of men who fight for their lives. Out of all of Wolfgang Petersen's film this is one of my favorite films he has made. The element of this film that makes this film powerful and moving is the music by James Horner, his music is powerful and emotionally gripping. This film to me shows Wolfgang Petersen's talent and ability as A filmmaker.

Captain Billy Tyne (George Clooney) is struggling with a string of bad results. Others like Linda Greenlaw (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) are outfishing him. His crew is also struggling and they risk to go further than all the others. When their refrigeration goes, they either sit out the storms and lose their catch, or make a dash home through the Perfect Storm.The drama isn't really there. We all know what's going to happen. Wolfgang Peterson doesn't really give us any surprises, but quite frankly, I don't think he had any surprises to give. The background family stories aren't anything imaginative. He probably should have treated this like other disaster movies. Get to the disaster and have some action fun. It takes too long to get to the disaster.