Extremely predictable, old fashioned Disney filmmaking.

Rating: 6/10 (5 February 2016)

'THE FINEST HOURS': Three Stars (Out of Five)
Disney's new historical disaster flick, directed by Craig Gillespie; who also helmed Disney's 'MILLION DOLLAR ARM', as well as 'LARS AND THE REAL GIRL' (which is outstanding) and the 2011 'FRIGHT NIGHT' remake! The film was written by Eric Johnson, Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy; and it's based on the 2009 book 'THE FINEST HOURS: THE TRUE STORY OF THE U.S. COAST GUARD'S MOST DARING SEA RESCUE', by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman. It tells the story of four Coast Guard members, who daringly faced one of the worst storms in East Coast history; to rescue the crew of a sinking oil tanker. The movie stars Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Holliday Grainger, Eric Bana, Kyle Gallner and John Ortiz. It's classic, and extremely predictable, old fashioned Disney filmmaking.
The movie is part disaster flick, and part corny romance film. It focuses on Bernard 'Bernie' Webber (Pine); a crewman for the Coast Guard, stationed at Cape Cod. He falls in love with a young woman there, named Miriam Pentinen (Grainger). She proposes to him, and while Bernie is asking his commanding officer, Daniel Cuff (Bana), for permission to marry Miriam (which was custom then); one of the worst storms, in East Coast history, hits the area. Bernie then volunteers, to lead a four man team to rescue the crew of a sinking oil tanker (the SS Pendleton).
The film is cheesy, and just like dozens of other movies, that came before it; but most of those came out dozens of years ago (with the exception of 2000's 'THE PERFECT STROM'). It definitely has a classic, old movie feel to it; and Gillespie's direction is very fitting. The film has a few good inspiring moments; but for the most part it's corny, too long, and dull. The effects are good, but the acting is bad (especially Pine in the lead). It should please it's target audience though.
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