This overlong concoction is scuppered by dire dialogue, histrionic performances and maudlin sentimentality.
The Abyss (1989)
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy
Starring: Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Michael Biehn, Leo Burmester, Chris Elliott
Reviews
A disappointing follow-up to Cameron's great sci-fi Aliens, The Abyss is too verbose for an actioner and the special effects, striking as they are, are not well integrated into the narrative.
What ultimately saves the film are its extraordinary sets and phenomenal Oscar-winning visual effects.
The attempt to extract the essences of several genres (cold-war submarine thriller, love story, Disney fantasy, pseudomystical SF in the Spielberg mode) and mix them together ultimately leads to giddy incoherence.
What was once a well-made, well-acted mess is now a very poignant and satisfying sci-fi adventure.
For God's sake, make sure you have the director's cut. The theatrical cut was an abomination.
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