Poseidon, based on novel by Paul Gallico 6 out of 10

Poseidon, based on novel by Paul Gallico
6 out of 10


This motion picture is something of an oxymoron.

For it was nominated for both an Academy Award- for special effects- and for The Razzie for Worst Remake and at The Stinkers Bad Movie Awards.

The latter speaks for itself.
I remember seeing the original many years ago, as an adolescent and being captivated and terrified by the incredible adventure.

A lot of effort went into the new version of that old story.
The good cast is lead by two veterans, outstanding actors when they have suitable material:

Kurt Russell as Robert Ramsey and Richard Dreyfuss in the role of Richard Nelson.

The catastrophe is somewhat credible, after all, a few years back, a big ship with a cruise line - was it called Costa? - landed on its side, near the coast of Italy, because the reckless captain was not guiding the ship or something.
A few people even died then.

In the catastrophe film Poseidon, many more perish.
Actually, only a handful survive.

At times, the exploits of the lucky few are captivating.
After all, they have to find their way through a massive, immense vessel, which has capsized.

Not only that, but there are explosions, falling elevators, almost any calamity you can imagine.
In one scene, Richard Nelson is hanging over the elevator shaft, with another man hanging to one of his feet.

Nelson is in his turn dependent on the grip of another passenger.
Since the elevator is coming down fast, the other men present on the scene shout:

Let him go!
Otherwise, you will both die!

The captain assures the passengers that they will be alright.
It is a disaster that a huge tsunami has reversed the ship, but rescuers are alerted, they have the GPS positioning.

This only a matter of time, before they will all be saved!
But is it?

Some intrepid men and women decide to act and not wait for a potential intrusion of the ocean waters in the main halls.
They have to dive under water that is burning at the surface and then take women and children over it, using hoses.

The diving needed to get access to dry areas is simply incredible.
Keeps the audience in awe, but is it credible?

Maybe you do not want to see the Poseidon and decide.

It may be a wise decision to avoid this drama