Poseidon (2006)

Director: Wolfgang Petersen
Starring: Josh Lucas, Kurt Russell, Jacinda Barrett

Synopsis:
The cruiseliner Poseidon is capsized by a rogue wave and several passengers decide to defy the captain's orders to wait for rescue and instead search for their own way out.

Impressions:
Except for review purposes, I probably wouldn't have bothered with this remake and if you've seen the original, you'd probably do just as well to skip it. However, judging it on its own merits, it's a passable example of the disaster movie revival. The characters and the actors portraying them serve well enough. I did kinda like how Kurt Russell's character is a former firefighter, giving him a fair bit of practical knowledge for emergency situations. It's obvious that they were angling for a younger and sexier take, but that doesn't have much play with me. Despite getting an Oscar nom for special effects, the CG isn't all that good. We're not taking student film-level bad, but it is highly obvious and damages suspension of disbelief. A lot of the hazards feel overwrought, to the point that this feels more like it belongs in the Final Destination series (which can make it all the harder to take seriously). I like some of Wolfgang Petersen's stuff, but it's sad that this was his last film. After this and Troy, I suppose it's little surprise he'd throw in the towel. If you're a disaster movie junkie or want to have a laugh at some of the silly parts, you may want to watch this, but otherwise go with the original and call it good.

Rating:
50/50