Review of The Perfect Storm (2000) by Kevin S — 23 Jun 2016

Finally watched it after 16 years on the shelf. The effects hold up and the cast is engaging, but it's all sound and fury signifying nothing. It should be a crime to lead with "based on a true story" only to have all the principles die before telling their tale.

The stock characters in port are there to ratchet up the anxiety and give our heroes a life to return to. Other than Wahlberg's character, who misses out on returning to foxy Diane Lane, I prefer the fates of the other crew members who are lost at sea.

We spend much time with the Coast Guard and their futile attempt to get our boys back home, as well as the channel nine weather crew, who pop in occasionally to marvel at the intensity of the perfect storm.

Professional filmmaking makes for a decent couple of hours of easily forgettable entertainment.