Tags: the poseidon adventure
The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
4.1 out of 5
Genre: Disaster
Movie Information:
A prolific British director, Ronald Neame helmed films across various genres for over four decades. He’s known for movies like “Tunes of Glory” (1957) and “The Chalk Garden” (1964).
Lead: Gene Hackman
Lead: Ernest Borgnine
Lead: Shelley Winters
The Movie's Business
Box Office Performance: North American Gross: $84,741,033 (estimated), Worldwide Gross: $125,000,000 (estimated)
Synopsis
Setting sail on a luxurious New Year’s Eve voyage, the passengers of the SS Poseidon are jolted from their celebrations by a monstrous tidal wave. The ship capsizes, leaving a group of survivors stranded in the overturned hull.
Led by the resourceful Reverend Frank Scott (Gene Hackman) and the gruff detective Poseidon Donlin (Ernest Borgnine), a disparate group must fight their way through treacherous obstacles and dwindling hope to find an escape route before the watery depths claim them all.
Required Viewing Movies (RQV): REVIEW
Strengths
The Poseidon Adventure is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling.
Director Ronald Neame masterfully crafts a claustrophobic atmosphere as the characters navigate the upended ship’s labyrinthine corridors.
The special effects, while dated by today’s standards, hold up remarkably well, creating a visceral sense of danger and destruction.
The ensemble cast delivers strong performances, with Gene Hackman bringing gravitas to the role of the determined leader, and Ernest Borgnine offering a gruffly endearing counterpoint.
The film doesn’t shy away from portraying the human cost of disaster, adding emotional weight to the struggle for survival.
Weaknesses
The script occasionally leans on melodramatic dialogue, and some character motivations can feel underdeveloped.
The large cast, while offering a variety of personalities, can make it difficult to invest deeply in each individual’s fate.
Why The Poseidon Adventure is Required Viewing
The Poseidon Adventure remains a thrilling and entertaining disaster classic. The film’s exploration of human resilience in the face of overwhelming odds continues to resonate with audiences.
With its breakneck pacing, impressive visuals, and iconic performances, The Poseidon Adventure is a must-see for fans of the genre and anyone seeking a good old-fashioned disaster flick.
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