Has everything...but a story, what's the hype about?

Rating: Null/10 (21 July 2000)

When I came to watch this film, I was expecting to find the next Casablanca, by the reviews in the media and of people I knew who had seen this movie. Instead, I saw another Independence day, a movie with all the special effects, but a weak and cliched plot. Indeed, some parts of the movie can be quite entertaining. Several classic rushing water scenes in the second half of the movie, rival that of even The Poseidon Adventure. The sinking of the ship was shown with great accuracy and remarkable effect. However, I have never seen a "Best Picture" film with as weak a storyline as this. The second half of the movie contains chase scenes and water scenes, that although entertaining, has no relevance to the plot, and shows that indeed this movie cannot be considered a classic "film". Take those special effects scenes away, and you have a story that is a poor rendition of Romeo and Juliet, and the actors are quite horrible. yes, i am a guy, but i do believe that di caprio has good acting qualities, as shown in Basketball diaries, and What's eating Gilbert Grape. In this movie, however, he does a pretty pitiful job as Jack. Kate Winslet does not do much better and does a pitiful job of overacting. This movie did not deserve 11 Academy Awards, and all its nominations. Take into account other movies which won "Best Picture", even the ones in the 90s (Braveheart, Forrest Gump, Dances with Wolves), and one can clearly see that the Academy was clearly swayed by the masses of people who watched it. Just remember, that the amount of money a movie makes doesn't necessarily determine how good it really is. If so, then Men in Black should have won best picture the following year, and Will Smith, best actor.