Movie Review: The Perfect Storm

Story: I love the weather. One of the reasons I left California was because there wasn't enough of it. I am a cloud watching, weather channel junkie. As they say in New England, If you don't like the weather......wait a minute, it will change! Having read and enjoyed Sebastian Junger's book, I couldn't wait to actually see this perfect storm I had imagined while reading the book, depicted on screen. Directed by Wolfgang Peterson (Air Force One and Das Boot) I still hoped everyone would be high and dry by picture's end. The story (except for the storm) is not that gripping -- they fish, they hit a really bad storm, they drown. There are two ancillary stories that had bigger roles in the book. In the film they are just weak and diverting. Emotionally the film is all wet. Big music, big waves, big good-byes. I felt sad for the fishermen, the fish and the families left behind. The movie stays very close to the book and other than the special effects (what would Hollywood do with George Lucas)? There is no there....there.

Acting: (A better category title for this film would be Yelling). Even though most of the characters had to yell over the storm you still didn't know what they were saying and some of the time you didn't know who was who, because of the wind, rain and slickers -- except of course for George Clooney (we always saw his wonderful face). He looks good all scruffy and wet. And since there isn't much of a script that is what we are left with -- just looking at him. Mark Wahlberg (Boogie Nights)restores his Massachusetts accent that he so desperately has tried to lose over the years. He is sincere and is getting quite good at his craft. There was some nice chemistry between he and the beautiful Diane Lane, as the girl he literally left behind. Everyone else is type cast very well. The drunks, the losers, the over sexed, the love-lorn, the forlorn -- you know, your regular crowd.

Pets: A gazillion swordfish, one Jaws' like shark, and birds. The credits had that disclaimer that no actual fish were used or harmed in the film. It will be a while before I have a tuna sandwich.

Visual Art: None

Soundtrack: Big rolling emotional music except for the late 80's, early 90's bar music featuring Bruce Springsteen and Rod Stewart.

Theater Audience: Another nondescript small crowd. The theater was to big to hear anyone else.

Sappy Factor: 7

Tissue Usage: 1

Oscar Worthy: No

Length: Two hours and nine minutes.

LOBO HOWLS: 5