Blockbuster Galore

Rating: 7/10 (10 December 2005)

First off, I myself didn't like that although the story is based on true events it was an English submarine, not an American. Luckily there was not a lot of "flagwaving" and the main reason seems to be realism, American Actors should play American soldiers if possible. As Madonna has proved to the world; Americans aren't real good at acting British.
Second, this movie is very decently made, it is the blockbuster version of the famous movie "das Boot" and captures the same situations which submarine crews faced in WWII. However, being a Blockbuster it has different strengths and weaknesses then that movie. In fact, this movie is a poster-child for blockbusters because it has everything a blockbuster should have: action, excitement, great special effects, decent acting all around, heroism and of course a decent storyline.
Without spoiling the plot I can honestly say that there are some good plot-twists in this movie although some can be seen in advance. This however does not damage the storyline a bit. The acting, especially by the old dog Harvey Keitel is more then adequate and even the front-man of Jon Bon Jovi turns out to be a decent actor.
The action Sequences in this movie cause great excitement as well as a sense of claustrophobia and panic. This is improved dramatically by surround sound. The cinematography (camera) is brilliant despite some minor mistakes, shots are taken from a wide variety of spectra such as the "frogview" which also adds to the feeling of claustrophobia.
In conclusion I'd give this movie 7/10 because it is nothing more and nothing less then what a Blockbuster should be.