'Perfect Storm' has excellent effects, on-screen chemistry

By Kelly Lucas
Summer Reporter

Grab a life preserve because you're going to need it.

"The Perfect Storm" will grab you, throw you and leave you for fish food. The movie is a technical wonder. Who knew that computer generated water could look so damn good?

"The Perfect Storm" is based on the true story of a crew of fishermen who had the incredible misfortune to run into one of the most ferocious storms in history. The movie, on the other hand, is based on the best-seller of the same name by Sebastian Junger and is directed by Wolfgang Peterson, known for "Das Boot" and "Air Force One."

The movie tells the tale of the doomed crew of the fishing boat, the Andrea Gail, and its battle with the fierce storm. The crew includes, most notably, Capt. Billy Tyne portrayed by George Clooney and Bobby Stratford portrayed by Mark Wahlberg.

The fury of the storm was felt by the whole cast — literally. Wahlberg suffered an ear injury while filming "The Perfect Storm" when one of the brutish waves jammed an ear plug into his ear canal.

Although the hard-pounding waves and the fury of the storm are deviously beautiful and breathtaking, the same can't be said for the acting.

The acting from Clooney, Wahlberg and the rest of the crew of the Andrea Gail was good but not great. While performances by supporting actresses, especially Diane Lane who portrays Wahlberg's significant other, Christina, well, how can I put this gently, sucked.

Lane's overly trite portrayal of Wahlberg's girlfriend was nerve jarring and her fake east coast accent was horrendous. Not to mention, the lack of on-screen chemistry between Wahlberg and Lane.

The real on-screen chemistry came from Clooney and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio who portrayed Linda Greenlaw, captain of the Hannah Boden, the fishing boat that pulled through the mother of all storms and warned the Andrea Gail of the impending danger.

However, the most heart-rendering performances came from two unknown supporting actors, John Hawkes and Rusty Schwimmer. Hawkes portrays the lonely fisherman, Bugsy, who longs for true love, while Schwimmer portrays the single mom who steals his heart.

Although the acting was mediocre, the special effects more than make up for it. If you want a nail-bitting, suspenseful plot and breathtaking special effects "The Perfect Storm" is, well, perfect. However, if you're looking for superb acting, look elsewhere.