MOVIE NIGHT TRAFFIC LIGHT

Next Entertainment (Distributor: Warner Brothers)

$140M

Wolfgang Peterson (Perfect Storm, Air Force One)

Wolfgang Peterson (Perfect Storm, Air Force One), Mike Fleiss (Hostle), Akiva Goldsman (Mr. and Mrs. Smith), Duncan Henderson (Master and Commander, Far Side of the World)

Mark Protosevich (The Cell)

Josh Lucas – Dylan Johns ( Sweet Home Alabama , Glory Road , Stealth)

Kurt Russell – Robert Ramsey (Dreamer, Miracle)

Jacinda Berrett – Maggie James (Ladder 49)

Richard Dreyfuss – Richard Nelson (Mr. Holland’s Opus, Always, What About Bob)

Emmy Rossum – Jennifer Ramsey (Phantom of the Opera, The Day After Tomorrow)

If you’re wondering what the difference is between Poseidon and Titanic, it’s that Titanic is a movie about an actual disaster, whereas Poseidon is . . . well . . . an actual disaster. (A financial disaster that is.)

 This Poseidon is a remake of the original 1972 hit movie.  This version is brought to us by the director and producer of The Perfect Storm so the audience can anticipate some amazing special effects.  The story begins during a New Years Eve celebration when a giant rogue wave unexpectedly crashes into a cruise ship and capsizes the boat.  All the passengers are either immediately killed or trapped in the boat as it begins to sink.  A few decide the only way to survive is to get off the boat.  To do that, they will have to make their way to the bottom of the boat (which is now the top) and somehow escape.  The small group is led by a gay man that was just dumped by his partner (Rich Dreyfuss), a father (Kurt Russell) who doesn’t approved of his daughter’s boyfriend and an ex-submarine officer turned professional gambler (Josh Lucas).  Their journey forces them to outrun rising water, dodge explosions and find ways around impassible passageways.  Like the original movie, not everyone in the group survives.  But, those that due survive devise a different scheme than the original movie to escape the ship.

 With his accomplishments in Das Boot and The Perfect Storm, director Wolfgang Petersen was the perfect choice for Poseidon.  Imaginative scenarios, attention to detail, and stunning visual effects make the movie’s depiction of a catastrophic disaster at sea truly extraordinary.  A strong cast and decent dialogue are also important contributing components.  However, perhaps because of a lack of chemistry between the actors or because the disaster occurs so early in the film, the audience can never really become fully involved in the characters.  This actually makes the film more terror than drama, as one horrifying scene leads to another.  Without the magic that made the 1972 version a classic, Poseidon is likely to struggle at the box office.  But, if you were a fan of the original or like big budget disaster films, you may find that Poseidon provides an interesting and entertaining voyage.    

On the Movie Night Traffic Light on a scale of GREEN meaning “Go – it’s a must see”, YELLOW meaning “Caution – it’s okay” and RED meaning “No - stop don’t do it."

We rate Poseidon YELLOW.  Caution – great special effects, but just an okay story.