Full Movie Reviews
Rating of
3/4
"The Abyss" by Yojimbo
Yojimbo - wrote on 07/02/2012
A deep sea drilling rig is commandeered by the military for a search and rescue mission to find a downed nuclear submarine, but in the depths of the deep ocean they find that they are not alone. The Abyss is a rather frustrating film. For most of the story, James Cameron's pedigree as a skilled director of exciting blockbusters comes to the fore as he creates a nice otherworldly atmosphere, a collection of likeable characters, plenty of tension and some rip-roaring action scenes set below the waves. Unfortunately all of this excellent groundwork is wasted on a final act that can only be described as a huge anticlimax. He attempts to create a sense of wonderment in the style of Close Encounters which the film is clearly influenced by, but without drama or context the aliens just seem to …
Rating of
3/4
The Abyss review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 05/16/2012
This is an underwater Aliens without the guns and less violent. The picture had so many claustrophobic moments because of the solid acting. The film lacks character development and immediately immerses the action underwater when a crew checks a dilapidated sub. Jammer saw something that was discussed by Virgil "Bud" Brigman (Ed Harris) and Dr. Lindsey Brigman (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio). Effects were magnificent for its time coupled with the majestic score especially when Bud was rescued underwater. Harris and Mastrantonio’s performances were amazing despite some lengthy portions of the film that prolonged the movie. Themes of love, hope, alienists’ and persistence were touched. So many spectacular underwater scenes including suspenseful moments. The Abyss is a sight to …
Rating of
3.5/4
Best Ed Harris movie ever!
mdtinney - wrote on 08/26/2009
This movie is why I have such a respect for imagination and creativity. James Cameron reportedly came up with the idea for this movie during a boring biology class, penning down his thoughts in a short story fashion, and then later making movie history by writing and directing The Abyss. Some of the best special effects I have ever seen to-date, and definitely some of the best under-water cinematography. The full story (almost 3 hours long on the special DVD version) is worth the watch, and is engrossing from beginning to end. This is definitely one of my favorite films of all time. It is hard to believe the film is 20 years old and can still be so convincing and heart-touching. My respect goes out to Ed Harris who went through hell to portray his part. Mary Elizabeth was also …
Rating of
4/4
Simply amazing
TheWolf - wrote on 04/04/2008
For those of you that are technical geeks I should sport you with a bit of trivia here, if you have ever used the program "PhotoShop" you have the movie The Abyss to thank for it. This film is one of the most technologically advancing films made in the last 20 years. The film is still as visually stunning today as it was in 89. What most people don't know about the development of this film is that it was what gave Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), the special effects company owned by George Lucas, a big chance to pick up on a project that is not one of Lucas's own projects.
One of the most amazing things about this film is the psuedopod (the water creature that can mimic others), it was completely developed and animated frame by frame using what is now Photoshop 1.0
I would easily …
