sometimes the illusion of a good movie is all that counts

Rating: 9/10 (7 September 1998)

First I'm gonna admit that for 4 months I was ranting about this movie from ocean to ocean. Telling people that if you want to see a ship movie that is worth it, go see Das Boot. Well April 19th I finally went to see the movie. I went in thinking maybe 2 1/2 -3 star and came out emotionally spent. I'm a guy and when a movie hits you that hard, I end up liking the movie so much. What really made this movie worked was James Horner's score. Only he could have done it. I'm not one of those obsessed people who decided to see the movie 90 times (couldn't afford that even if I wanted to), I don't go out and buy the calendars, puzzles, shirts, diamonds related to the movie. I do like reading about Titanic's history. I like to take photographs, seeing old photographs makes the feeling the more real. Contrary to many people, I think Kate Winslet is the star of the show and not Leo. He's almost a non issue except that if not because of Leo, Kate would be wandering about God only know where or dead already. I hope Kate Winslet gets some movies worth her talent. I know Leo's Man behind the Iron Mask was less than expected. So he's not perfect either. When I watch a movie I try very hard not to think about the politics of a movie. Want a good way to ruin a movie, that's a good way how. It's hard to believe that someone who completely hated the movie decided to see it. (which is dumb anyway. you can't complain until you see it, then you have every right to.) This is only the second time since I began watching movies that my opinions about a movie have changed so dramatically. The other was the highly controversial movie Last Temptation of Christ. (for which for over 5 years I refused to watch it.) Well I better quiet down , and go back to reviewing movies just for friends..... it's a hobby of mine.. (this wasn't a true review anyway. just defending against some of the comments I've seen so far on this page. thank you.)