Deep Blue Sea

Cast: Thomas Jane, Saffron Burrows, Samuel L Jackson, Michael Rappaport and LL Cool J

Director: Renny Harlin

Release Date: 1999

Running Time: 1hr 40 minutes

Genre: Action/Sci Fi

Rating: R

Format: DVD

Synopsis:

Desperately searching for a cure for Alzheimer's, a group of scientists in an isolated facility become food, when intelligent Shark's start to fight back.

A group of scientists in a remote location are desperately trying to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease. Dr Susan McAlester (Saffron Burrows) really thinks she's close to a cure when she invites Avalanche survivor Russell Franklin to the facility to have a look around. He's soon introduced to shark mad Carter Blake (Thomas Jane), Chef Preacher (LL Cool J) and scientists Tom Scoggins ( Michael Rappaport) and Janice Higgins (Jacqueline McKenzie), it becomes apparent that none of the scientists can work out how a shark got out of the facility considering how high the fences are around the facility, however that is the least of their problems. The scientists are hoping to restore the brain cells that are damaged, pumping almost double into the shark to see what will happen. Probably not the wisest of moves. LL Cool J easily has the best role in this movie as Chef Preacher, probably more famously known for his music, his performance in this film really isn't too bad, his characterization is absolutely brilliant, his acting really supports his role. He's a firm believer in God and believes everything happens for a reason.

Thomas Jane steals the show as shark mad Carter Blake, probably the only man at the facility who really knows what the sharks are capable of. Jane's performance is a good one, he shows fantastic characterization and passion for the sharks, his acting is very convincing and realistic, his acting really does support his role, he doesn't have the best relationship with Susan though, there's some serious tension between the two of them from the get go. The characters are very chalk and cheese. Samuel L Jackson's role in the movie is certainly an interesting one, he's very full of himself and believes he's been given another chance at life after surviving an avalanche disaster. The sharks really take a liking to him in this film!!! In all honesty though he's done much better performances, this definitely isn't one of his best roles, however it works for the movie and his acting supports the role very well.

The conversations and the dialogue between actors really isn't too bad, at the end of the day this is a science fiction movie so don't go believing everything you hear. Plenty of what's said between characters is going to sound absolutely ridiculous it is however what really brings this movie together. What in God's creation? Oh no...not his...ours! That line is enough to tell you on it's own that they've made a very bad mistake, they've essentially created the smartest creatures on the planet, except these aren't monkeys, they are man eating sharks.

If your looking for plenty of action, you won't be dissapointed, this movie gets straight to the point pretty fast and certainly doesn't leave it's audiences hanging. One would argue this is probably a very predictable movie, some scenes are very predictable but that doesn't take away the entertainment of the film. As a member of the audience your in for quite the ride with this movie. Nothing is simple. Visually it honestly doesn't look too bad, however the vast majority of the film is CGI. The only big real disappoint is the fact that the sharks don't even look remotely real, however it kinda adds to the charm of the film. Don't go expecting Steven Spielberg's "Jaws" that's for sure. This is far from a masterpiece. Although this a pretty thrilling film, there's plenty of humour wrapped into it too. Look out for a scene where Preacher is trapped inside an oven.

The sets feel lived in and believable. The whole film is set inside the facility. It's certainly not the most amazing look set design, but it works well for the movie. The camera work is very nice, director Renny Harlin has chosen a mixture of close up shots, medium shots and aerial shots, particularly that over the facility. The underwater scenes really don't look too shabby, although it is hard at times to tell what is genuine and what is CGI. Little bit disappointing. Deep Blue Sea reminds me a lot of Barry Levinson's "Sphere" visually the two don't look that different. I really like how the rooms/labs are very tight and confided allowing for a real feeling of claustrophobia. The coloring and lighting really adds to the tone of the film, it helps that the majority of the film is shot underwater/underground, the fact that there's no sunlight really adds to the tone of the film, I love that the audience are never aware when a shark is coming. It's dark and gloomy, with very little light.

The soundtrack works very well with the mood of the movie, the majority of the film has a really good score which works really well the acting and the action scenes. LL Cool J doesn't just make an appearance as an actor but as a rapper too. His song "Deepest bluest" appears during the end credits, it's catchy and adds to the tone of the film perfectly. Overall this really isn't a bad movie, it's not a masterpiece, but it is still very entertaining and full of suspense. Deep Blue Sea is one of those movies that most will probably admit to having on their guilty pleasure lists. I know it's on mine. Go in with an open mind, don't go expecting too much, you'll end up enjoying it a lot more!

4/5 stars