Poor Show Mr. Mostow

Rating: Null/10 (18 February 2001)

From the guy who brought us Breakdown, Jonathon Mostow, I expected much better than this poorly played outing.
The direction is generally good but that is really it's only plus point. The acting from actors that are usually great (McConaughhey, Keitel) is shocking, it's as if they were handed the script the day before shooting. And none of the actors look like they'd even stepped foot inside a sub until they turned up for filming! Everyone is very clumsy, not quite sure how doors work and how to get through the open wall hatches. Also, everyone onboard is absurdly clean with no stubble even after days of confinement!!
If you've seen Das Boot, this film is an insult. Not to mention the dire script and storyline. I hope Mostow wasn't even trying to be remotely accurate in his work, because otherwise he failed miserably.
My advice, go and watch Das Boot Director's Cut (subtitled version), there you will find the emotion, the tension and the realism of what submariners went through. Plus if you want proof that Mostow can make a cracking film, go watch Breakdown!!