Perfect Storm, The (2000)

reviewed by
Chad Polenz


The Perfect Storm 

Take all the action and adventure of a guy's summer popcorn flick and combine it with all the teary drama of a sensitive, autumn Oscar-contender and that's what you've got with "The Perfect Storm." It's the story of a small New England fishing boat and its scrappy crew who go out into uncharted waters and must race two hurricanes back to the coast.

The story is pretty predictable so it's up to the screenplay and the SFX department to make the film work and they manage to pull it off pretty well. The first half is an enjoyable lighthearted drama that sets up all the characters and their admirable qualities (in other words - blatant foreshadowing). The second half is non-stop action as the crew must navigate through terrible weather in the middle of the ocean. There's also a sub-plot involving the coast guard and how they rescue people in terrible storms like this. It has absolutely nothing to do with the main story but it's a nice touch.

Overall it's a touching movie in that "Titanic" sort of way. It's got something for everyone.

GRADE: B 

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