Best of 2000 Thus Far

Rating: Null/10 (21 April 2000)

With film hype at an all time high for such movies as The Phantom Menace, Mission Impossible 2, X-Men: The Movie, and so on, it is a supreme pleasure to have a film that, in comparison to these, stealthily slips into movie theaters, like U-571.
Easily, U-571 provides movie-goers with the best movie experience of 2000 thus far. With a handful of recognizable stars such as Matthew McConaughey, Harvey Kitel, and Bill Paxton, and a myriad of vaguely-familiar faces, U-571 delivers a pulse-pounding experience that harkens back to the days when movies were merely movies. There is no political message here; no conspiracy theories, no repulsive one-liners, no deep philosophical truths, just pure energy, heroism, patriotism, and inspiration.
This WWII sub-flick even rivals two of the most popular sub films of recent memory: Crimson Tide and Hunt for the Red October. In, at least, one way, it surpasses them both.
Since we are dealing with technology of the 1940's these crews only have hydraulics, pneumatics, and their wits, to survive and conquer with. This archaic technology contrasted with the gutsy, witty officers and crewmen provide an infinite amount of suspense and intrigue. Each actor fulfills his duties as both crewman and actors brilliantly, while the special effects are believable without trying to flash and wow the audience to death.
Cranks, valves, levers, sweat, grease, blood, and bone-jarring blasts! Now, those are the ingredients for some engaging action and suspense. U-571 provides plenty of it.
While a ton of "blockbusters" await just on the horizon, U-571 has already secured a spot as one of 2000's best. The only tragedy is the non-release of Richard Marvin's superior score. To make this film's success complete, the score must be released to help keep the film alive in the memories of those who view her.