Deepwater Horizon Review

     Man... This movie is the definition of an emotional gut puncher that grabs your attention and never lets go. I'm one of those people whose mind constantly races and if a film can pretty much stop me from doing that I know it's done its job well. The thing I loved about this movie is even though the first half is a lot of setup you keep feeling the layers and layers of detail and tension being built up until the shit hits the fan. When the real conflict starts it resonates with the audience so much more because the movie takes its time to build to it, using every minute effectively. When everything starts going down hill this story really is a true horror flick. Although it doesn't have monsters or goblins, these events and deaths actually happened and only a few years ago. That's another huge plus of Peter Berg's direction. A lot of times a you can emotionally feel for the characters of a story going through a particular disaster/conflict but don't get that adrenaline rush you are looking for. This film doesn't disappoint in that respect. The shots of the ocean floor and drill pipes cracking under immense amounts of pressure accurately show you the sheer power below the workers feet. Plus, the people in the story are not very well known so the fact that we don't know who's going to get out alive makes it all the more powerful and nerve racking. I thought Lone Survivor(Berg's previous installment) was a kicker but this is on a whole new level. There is one scene with a disoriented bird covered in oil. I don't want to spoil anything but you'll know the scene when you see it and moments like that give the film the emotional elements it needs to succeed. The acting is great all across the board and I liked how John Malkovich's BP exec character wasn't portrayed as a complete mindless money monger. He is a greedy son of a bitch but their is a scene where its conveyed that besides cash he also knows a thing or two about the technical side of oil drilling. Lastly, the moral of the story is something that everyone should pay notice to. In any situation, especially where lives are at stake, don't cut corners!! I know it may save time but it isn't worth it. This film shows that and I give it an A. The only reason it isn't getting an A+ is I can't see myself wanting to rewatch this film over and over.