Rating: 
Summary: Shape Shifting Liquid Mountains
Review: They said it couldn't be done, but director Wolfgand Petersen has managed to make a sensational film out of a thoroughly mediocre script. Petersen's film is more of an exhilerating showcase for ILM's magnificant storm effects then a moving account of the real life events that took place off the coast of Nova Scotia in the fall of 1991. As a result the film's final scene with Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, which I won't describe here, is more uncomforatble then moving. Given the fact these characters were based on real people, that last sentence may seem offensive, but the fault lies squarely with William Wittliff's one dimensional characterisations. The film opens with the fishermen returning home with their catch. Petersen works extra-hard to capture the flavors and accents of the small town of Gloucester,Mass. There are scenes in a local saloon where Springsteen's Hungry Heart plays and the fishermen are reunited with their lovers, mothers and ex-wives. But Petersen's attempts are thwarted by Wittliff's shallow writing. We are introduced to skipper Billy Tyne(George Clooney) who walks around in a flannel shirt, looking like a movie star and spouting lines like "I am doing what I was made to do". Then there is Bobby Shafford(Mark Wahlberg) who is deeply in debt and deeply in love with Christina Cotter(Diane Lane). The rest of the Andria Gail's six man crew are Murph(John C.Reilly) who maintains a friendly relationship with his ex-wife, Sully(William Fichtner) who is made, by the screenwriter, to hate Murph and thus provide the film with some badly written scenes of tension and reconcilation before the storm arrives, Alfred Pierre(Alan Payne) a Jamican fisherman who remains entirely in the background and Bugsy(John Hawkes) who is the film's most endearing character and infact would seem like a screenwriter's idea of comic relief if he weren't a real person. Where some screenwriters manage to create real people out of thin air, Wittliff has taken real people and molded them into convenient stock characters. James Horner's score, which is a fine piece of music, is terribly used. If the film-makers intention was to present us with real people so we could care about their peril, why does Horner's orchestral score accompany them on a seemingly routine fishing trip. These six guys are heading out to sea to catch some fish, and Horner's music all but tells us, that they are infact destined to meet The Perfect Storm of the title. It gives the game away. Gradually, Petersen abandons his futile attempts at human drama, and shifts his attention to what is ultimately the real star of the film, that awe-inspiring and genuinely terrifying storm. There is a completely perfunctory cameo from Christopher McDonald as the meteoroligist who exists only to describe what a the "Perfect Storm" is, and frankly I would have preferred a narration over the opening credits doing just that. A parallel story line involving the rescue attempts of a sailboat called the Mistral exists only to tease the audience with the spectacle of the storm the crew of the Andrea Gail will soon encounter. But by that time ridiculous lines such as "Its time to seperate the men from the boys" and "You're heading right into the heart of the monster" have been uttered with straight faces, that the audience is forced into the criminal position of eagerly awaiting the dreaded storm rather then fearing it. There are so many things that are wrong with The Perfect Storm that I now realise that my review looks like a pan. It isn't. Infact this is one of the most visceral cinematic experiences I've had all year. The granduer, the size, the force of the raging sea could never be adequatly described in a review. Out there, in the dark the black water takes on a viscous quality, and the 100ft waves of that Perfect storm resemble mountains formed and crumbled by a mindless force that couldn't care less about six fishermen trapped in the middle of it all. Yes, I would love to see a Terrance Malick version of The Perfect Storm with more psychological, emotional and scientific depth, but lets face it, that version wouldn't have grossed one tenth of its cost. The credits for this one say "A Wofgang Petersen film, starring George Clooney", I think "An ILM film starring Big Wave" would have been more accurate. If you plan on seeing The Perfect Storm on the small screen then downgrade my rating to 3 stars.
Rating:
Summary: Of course it's "Hollywood," but so what?
Review: The book version of *A Perfect Storm*, on which the movie is based, is a fascinating study of meteorology and oceanography, and people who have seen the film definitely should go back and read it if they have not already. As technically informative as the book may be, however, it would have translated into a "Nova"-type documentary film rather than a "movie" had the film producers stuck faithfully to the contents of Junger's text. Instead, producer Gail Katz and director Wolfgang Peterson (who also directed such classics as *Das Boot*) have taken the hoary Gloucestermen-gamble-and-lose theme and turned it into a spectacular action film complete with some of the finest computer-generated special effects that have appeared on the big screen in many a year. Some of the dialog and thematic material is predictable, and yes, unabashedly "Hollywood," but so what? The end product is extremely well-crafted, technically breathtaking, and thoroughly absorbing. The film is worth seeing just for the computer-created storm effects, but on top of this, the acting, direction, and editing are all first-rate. After all, don't most of us go to the movie theater with a willingness to surrender to a few cliches, as long as these are presented in a form that is powerful and entertaining? This film is definitely of the "Hollywood blockbuster" genre, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I think most other viewers will, too.
Rating:
Summary: Thrilling!
Review: I see that this movie has gotten a lot of negetive customer reviews but when we rented the video I really enjoyed it and I thought it was pretty good and the special effects were very thrilling and George Clooney and the other actors were good and since we watched the fullscreen video I'm looking forward to watching The Perfect Storm again in widescreen and I'm thinking of buying the widescreen DVD but have other movies on DVD I'm planning on buying first but I still highly recommend this movie!
Rating: 
Summary: Once upon a time...
Review: ... movies (the best as well as the worst) were made by people (actors & actresses, writers and directors), and used special effects to enhance the show. Nowadays, 'Special Effects' are the show, the story is written by accountants (whose creativity in accounting should not be extended out of this domain, since their concern is not about moviegoers, but shareholders), and, if actors are not yet out of work, it's only because their sex life can be used in tabloids to promote the release of the movie. But, of course, for those who think McDo is the most enjoyable culinary experience, they should not be disappointed.
Rating: 
Summary: An Edge-of-Your-Seat Thrill Ride
Review: Wolfgang Petersen ("Das Boot") has delivered a first-rate thriller with "The Perfect Storm". George Clooney stars as Billy, a down-on-his-luck fisherman in search of one last big catch before the season ends. Mark Wahlberg stars as Bobby, the hard-working shipmate who dreams of making a better life for himself and his girlfriend. Billy (Clooney) decides to sail his ship, the Andrea Gail to the Flemish Cap, which is many miles from their home port of Glouster, Mass. Upon reaching the cap, Billy and his crew find the fishing plentiful, but they are forced to cut their trip short when the ice making machine which is used to keep the fish cold breaks. Reports of a developing storm are received and the Andrea Gail decides to head for home. The storm, which was spawned by a convergance of multiple weather fronts, shows its fury to the Andrea Gail. The ship is tossed about like a rag doll from the force of the waves. Ultimately, the Andrea Gail capsizes and sinks, leaving Bobby (Wahlberg) floating in the sea at the end. This movie is loaded with awesome special effects. The storm sequences are fantastic, and the rescue effort by the Coast Guard crew is excellent. If you enjoy suspense and action-packed movies, then "The Perfect Storm" is one you shouldn't miss.
Rating:
Summary: Not quite perfect, but still awesome
Review: Director Wolfgang Peterson returns to the sea in another powerful saga where viewers are on the edge of their seats and actors get drenched. George Clooney leads a terrific cast of stars and acting veterans in this tale of man against nature, based on a true story. Captain Billy Tyne (George Clooney) is a sword fisherman who has had bad luck of late. He is determined to bring in one large catch before the season ends so he takes his crew far offshore to the Flemish Cap, a place where the fish practically jump into the boat. They fill the boat, but the ice machine breaks down, making it impossible to keep their catch fresh for long. So, they head for home brimming with fish. Unfortunately, nature has other plans and kicks up the mother of all hurricanes. The rest of the film is an epic battle of man against nature, as the little fishing boat fights high winds and 50-foot waves as it struggles home. Peterson tries to create another "Das Boot" but comes up a little short this time. In many regards, it is superior to his most famous film. "Perfect Storm" has the most amazing visual effects of a storm at sea ever created. It is to hurricanes what "Twister" was to tornadoes, and then some. You get a vivid understanding of the awesome power of nature and how puny we really are by comparison. Peterson attempts once again to get us emotionally involved with the characters by offering various character studies that humanize them. In this regard, he was not as successful as in "Das Boot" and it leaves the film just short of greatness. The film throws in a non sequitur of a subplot by adding the Coast Guard's sailboat rescue. Though this was some fabulous footage, it had no real relevance to the main storyline. The time would have been better spent doing more character development and crew interaction scenes to bind us to the characters. What Peterson does better than almost any living director is to create suspense. "Perfect Storm" is a white-knuckle ride from the first thunderbolt. In scene after scene, you are climbing out of your seat with every muscle tensing as the crew performs yet another death defying act to stay alive. The acting was wonderful by the entire cast. Clooney played his typical proud tough guy role with much more of a rough-hewn look, and was perfect for the role. Mark Wahlberg turns in another fine performance bringing both strength and sensitivity to his character. John C. Reilly gave a supporting performance as good as any of the stars. This film got a lot of criticism because it didn't have a happy ending. Well, the film ended the same way as actual events, so I really fail to see how that is a valid criticism. It is also effective symbolism, as it shows the futility of the human struggle to conquer the forces of nature. The scene of Bobby (Mark Wahlberg) helplessly bobbing alone among the fifty-foot swells drives that point mercilessly home. I rated this film a 9/10. What it lacks in story development, it almost completely makes up for in visual effects and suspense. I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Very depressing, but still a good movie.
Review: This film truely has some great special effects, good acting, heart, but the one thing that it lacks is that positive ending that even the saddest films have. The film was very depressing in every sense. George Clooney, Mark Whallberg, and the rest of the cast all did a great job. The cinematography was brilliant. All in all the film is something you need to follow up with a happier movie. If you are in the mood to be crushed stay away. I reccomend this film to people who love special effects films. Two sad thumbs up.
Rating:
Summary: This Is A Film With A Big Heart!
Review: THE PERFECT STORM is a nice, heart-warming story based on the real lives of six east coast fishermen who risked their lives aboard the strong sea barring vessel, the Andrea Gail. Its fate is not a mystery and the tale of these men's demise is no surprise - but their journey, kinship and determination makes their lives meaningful and poignant. Simply put, three storm-fronts came clashing together back in 1991 in a way that no storm ever has in the history of recorded history. The story is about these six men and the people their lives touched. The captain played by George Clooney and his shipmates played by Mark Wahlberg (Planet of The Apes remake, Boogie Nights), William Fichtner (Armageddon, Contact, Pearl Harbor), Bob Gunton (Patch Adams, Ace Ventura: When Natures Calls), John C. Reilly (The new Chicago feature, Magnolia, Boogie Nights), Allen Payne (New Jack City, Vampire In Brooklyn) and John Hawkes (Rush Hour, Scary Movie). Set out a last desperate run to get some fish, save their reputations and make some money before the fishing season is over. They all give wonderful performances. There are also incredible performances give by Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (The Abyss, Robin Hood: Prince Of The Stars) as a fellow ship captain and the only female fishing ship captain, Diane Lane (Rumble Fish, Chaplin) as the perfect sensitive girlfriend of Mark Wahlberg and Karen Allen (Raiders Of The Lost Ark, Starman) as a fellow boat rider caught in the heart of 'The Perfect Storm'. Directed by Wolfgang Peterson (Air Force One, Outbreak, In The Line Of Fire) this film is artistically done and respectful of the lives and community these events took place in. Over 10,000 people were lost to the seas over 400 years. The visual effects are incredible and amazing and James Horner's score is very heartfelt and powerful. He did compliment this mightier monster they called 'The Perfect Storm'. The DVD extras include three commentaries by the director, special effects people and the writer of the novel that this film is based on. The documentary on the making of the film is detailed and insightful too! I loved this movie a lot. You should too. (9-202)
Rating: 
Summary: Great effects; shame about the script
Review: Technically speaking, this movie is a marvel to behold. The storm sequences are extraordinarily real in their execution (kudos to director Wolfgang Petersen), and coupled with the DVD's surround sound, you really do feel as if you were there on the Andrea Gail in the middle of The Perfect Storm. Furthermore, the DVD contains excellent special features, including an absorbing commentary by Sebastian Junger, which enhanced my awareness of the very real dangers of deep sea fishing. And now for the bad news. The script simply does not do this story justice. It's hard to feel connected with the men aboard the Andrea Gail because the movie does not present them as three-dimensional characters. This is script-writing straight out of a 1940s movie serial! The dialogue is often stilted, and in no way does it give the actors anything to work with. It certainly doesn't help that one far-fetched incident upon another is thrown at the audience to pad the story out, further eroding the integrity of the script. (Yes, I know some of these events DID happen, but they occurred over the course of many expeditions - not on the one fishing trip!) It seems inconceivable that with so much time and money lavished on the special effects, no-one thought to invest the same care and attention on the script. A wonderful opportunity to make a truly great film has been squandered.
Rating:
Summary: The Perfect Storm The Perfect Movie on dvd
Review: Directed by Wolfgang Peterson who has a career
for making great films like the "The NeverEnding Story", "The Perfect Storm" was another great film into Mr. Peterson's resume. The perfect storm, is based on the book written by Sebastian Unger. It's the true account of a group of fisherman who , in October 1991, died in the worst storm in the century, sacrificing their lives because they were doing their duties
and trying to put food on the table for their families. There are many reasons I liked this movie:
1) The characters are real and genuine
2) The movie has a lot of heart, action, drama and suspense
3) The movie does have a certain mystique and aura around it, due to the fact that these are very special people whom if you met them you've probably wouldn't forget. The cast and crew is made up of Billy Tyne
(George Clooney), captain of the Andrea Gail, Bobby Shatford (Mark Wahlberg) ,a beloved
fisherman in Gloucester, Mike "Bugsy" Moran
(John Hawkes), Dale Murphy (John C. Reilly) , David "Sully" Sullivan (William Fichtner). All these characters were loved in their community. To feed their loved ones, the fisherman go to the Great banks to catch as many fish as possible but they don't see that a huge Hurricane named " Grace" is headed their way, a deadly storm in fact. The fisherman's boss though, Mr. McNally I believe is his name, pays them very little and makes even fishing a hassle for them. The men though still go out to see despite this because of their great love for the see. One of the characters that are shown
at the beginning is Christine Cotter (Diane
Lane), Bobby's girlfriend, who has an undying love for him, even though she knows that fishing in rough waters can be dangerous. Making the characters more realistic and with a real storyline the movie shows the mixed hate/love relationship, the crew has with Captain Billy (Clooney). It's debatable whether Tyne might
have been at fault over the dealth of his shipmates. During one scene Tyne, gets a message about the upcoming storm, however, he doesn't immediately make the crew think about how dangerous it is. He instead just leaves the decision in their hands, but another Captain might have taken control and said the hell with the trip. Each characters has a story to them, it's not just that these guys were average joes and they worked a crummy job, no, they were very much by everyone and the extras on the dvd prove that with all the interviews by people in the community. The visual effects for the movie are outstanding, it is a very big budget production loaded with great sets and great models.. The movie was a box office hit, and received
praise for all the actors in it like Clooney and Walhberg. The effects were done by award winning special effects ma Stan Winston and ILM , the same group who gave us the effects for "Terminator 2",
and "Jurassic Park" to give two examples. The Dvd for the movie comes with many extras: *Three Documentaries one by HBO called
"Creating the Storm" which has interviews with Bobby Shatford's family,i former Captains of the Andrea Gail, and interviews with local fisherman who know all about the characters involved. Then other documentary on the dvd is called "Witnessing the Storm" which has photos from the storm in 1991 and many interviews on it Next is the commentary. The commentary
is actually split differently during one
commentary I believe you have Wolfgang
Petersen talking about the film. The other
commentary has Sebastian Unger who talks
about how afraid he was if his book on
the storm would fail,and then how great he felt when the families of the fisherman told
him how good a job he did with it. With all visual effects, story, good acting
and great directing by Wolfgang "Perfect
Storm" is a very good movie, by a guy
who hasn't really done bad movies.
In fact Wolfgang's next movie is "Troy"
with Brad Pitt. So check that out and check
out this one.
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