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Abyss, The

This movie is incredible in many respects. It first and
foremost has an incredible story. Supported by an
incredible cast of actors and unmatched special effects;
this movie is one of a kind. Additionally it floats between
two worlds, one of real life with real situations,
emotions, and technology. The other, a world of drama,
intense action, and a mystery that lies at the bottom of a
mile deep Abyss. Asside from an occassional color metaphor
from the roughneck underwater crewmen (and women), there is
nothing that I found offesive (that I wouldn't show to an
average teen). Though not for children, this movie is a
real treat for anyone who enjoys a good action/drama. It
has a lot of heart, and action enough for those who crave
it. Part of me doesn't like to admit that the ending does
leave me wanting more, getting there is worth the cost of
renting it- no matter what the cost. (I bought it!

I felt that this movie was masterfully crafted, with
terrific characters, and nail-biting suspense. Cameron
came out with a wonderful underwater sci-fi epic, complete
with some breathtaking visual effects. There wasn't one
moment that bored me, or disengaged me. It's a movie that
does what every movie should do it pulls you in and keeps
you interested until resolution. But that's not to say
that this film didn't have it's drawbacks, and there are
quite a few. For example, I felt that the villain was a
little too one-dimensional, and that climax was a real
bust! It literally cheapened the entire experience,
tainting the brilliancy that led us to it. Up until that
climax, I felt that I had stumbled across a classic, but
that heavy-handed cold war message just made everything
seem like it was bluntly saying, "Nukes are bad." Oh,
well. Aside from those minor flaws I felt it was very
entertaining. I definitely recommend it.

My least favorite James Cameron Film, The Abyss feels too
much like a screen adaptation of a novelization of a film.
While the chemistry between Mastroianni and Harris was
compelling, it was twisted into something quite
disagreeable by the "revival" sequence. I would never let
a minor see this film. Also, the film's ending just told
too much.