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| Review
- K-19: The Widowmaker |
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A tense political situation between Russia
and the United States. A nuclear submarine with the capability of
starting a war of total destruction. Two leaders of the sub who disagree
on how to run a ship, leading to inevitable stand-offs. Tense moments
involving the sub's possible destruction. You might think that I have
just described Crimson Tide. Yeah, partly. But it also gives the
skeleton plot of the newest submarine movie to hit theatres, K-19: The
Widowmaker.
While it may have some of the same plot elements as Crimson Tide, K-19
doesn't have much else in common with the former. Tide would probably be
one of my favorites of all time. Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington at
each others' throats, leaving you sweaty palms at the thought of a
possible nuclear launch. K-19 left me tired and yawning, my eyes even
closed and I nearly slept for a couple of minutes.
In the trailer, K-19 tries to pass itself off as an action flick. It is
based on the true events of Mother Russia's first nuclear ballistic
submarine, whose maiden voyage in 1961 ends up in disaster. This sub
carries the possibility of sparking the Cold War into World War III if
this disaster comes to fruition. Sounds like an action movie, but it is
drama all the way, and a dull one at that. If it wasn't starring
Harrison Ford, it would have never been released in the middle of the
summer blockbuster season.
Not to say that Ford was bad in the movie. His performance was adequate.
His accent didn't get on my nerves too much despite being pretty weak.
Liam Neeson was also fine in his role as the 2nd captain of the boat.
They just didn't have the chemistry I felt between Gene and Denzel, but
maybe that is asking too much. The rest of the cast are no-names who
didn't really do much to stand out.
K-19 just seemed to lack action and suspense. The end of the movie
dragged and had me wanting to leave the theatre. So if you're in the
mood for a submarine flick, I suggest getting your hands on Crimson
Tide. Heck, if you're in the mood for a Cold War movie, go get Thirteen
Days instead. If you want to see K-19, wait to rent it in the winter,
when boring drama movies are supposed to be seen.
 
- 4/10
Sean Cullin -
Senior Editor
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