U-571
3.5/4
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Harvey Keitel, Jake Weber, Dave Power, Terrence "T.C." Carson, Jack Noseworthy
Rated PG-13 for War Violence
When it comes to submarine movies, everyone seems to think that the king is "Das Boot." Although it's been years since I've seen it, and I was young when I did, I remember not being particularly impressed with it. It was overlong and I didn't really care about anyone in it. "U-571," on the other hand, is a different story altogether. It's leaner, meaner and consistently suspenseful. Never have the words "depth charge" or "splashes" been so scary.
The film is based on the true story of how the Allies got hold of the German code machine, the Enigma, during World War II (although based on the evidence, the filmmakers took more than a few liberties with the story. But, as they say, never let the facts get in the way of a good story).
Lt. Andrew Tyler (McConaughey) is a beloved officer S-33 submarine. In the Chief's (Keitel) words, the sailors look up to him like a brother. Unfortunately, talent and respect are not enough for a person to be in charge of their own boat, according to his commander (Paxton). Tyler and his crew are taken off leave early because they're tasked with a special ops mission: they're to board a downed German submarine and steal a codebreaker called "the Enigma." Unfortunately, the plan fails and Tyler and a few of his crew are trapped on the crippled U-boat.
I've heard criticism for "U-571" for having undeveloped characters. In this case, character development is not mandatory. This is a fast-paced adventure where pausing for character development would only hurt the film. The characters have personalities and we feel like we're trapped in the sub with them. That's all one can ask for in a movie like this.
That being said, the performances are top notch. Matthew McConaughey, who has had an amazing year this year with "Magic Mike" and the upcoming "Killer Joe." This is one of his best performances. McConaughey plays the character as quiet and aloof, but intense when under pressure (which in this case, is nearly all the time). As always happens in the movies, Tyler learns what it means to be the commander of a submarine. He has to make decisions on the fly that could save them or kill them all.
Also impressive is Harvey Keitel, whose talent is as underrated as they come. Keitel is older than anyone else on board, but he does not have the highest rank. He gives Tyler advice and support, both of which he desperately needs. Jake Weber is suitably mysterious as Hirsch, the brains behind the operation. The cast of young character actors (including Tom Guiry and Will Estes) do good work as well.
Jonathan Mostow knows what this film needs: claustrophobia and constant tension. He's two for two. Once the film gets going (when the S-33 leaves the dock), the film never lets up. We're there with the crew in the tiny, cramped and crippled submarine. There are more than a few moments when you can cut the tension with a knife.
Simply put, this movie works.
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Harvey Keitel, Jake Weber, Dave Power, Terrence "T.C." Carson, Jack Noseworthy
Rated PG-13 for War Violence
When it comes to submarine movies, everyone seems to think that the king is "Das Boot." Although it's been years since I've seen it, and I was young when I did, I remember not being particularly impressed with it. It was overlong and I didn't really care about anyone in it. "U-571," on the other hand, is a different story altogether. It's leaner, meaner and consistently suspenseful. Never have the words "depth charge" or "splashes" been so scary.
The film is based on the true story of how the Allies got hold of the German code machine, the Enigma, during World War II (although based on the evidence, the filmmakers took more than a few liberties with the story. But, as they say, never let the facts get in the way of a good story).
Lt. Andrew Tyler (McConaughey) is a beloved officer S-33 submarine. In the Chief's (Keitel) words, the sailors look up to him like a brother. Unfortunately, talent and respect are not enough for a person to be in charge of their own boat, according to his commander (Paxton). Tyler and his crew are taken off leave early because they're tasked with a special ops mission: they're to board a downed German submarine and steal a codebreaker called "the Enigma." Unfortunately, the plan fails and Tyler and a few of his crew are trapped on the crippled U-boat.
I've heard criticism for "U-571" for having undeveloped characters. In this case, character development is not mandatory. This is a fast-paced adventure where pausing for character development would only hurt the film. The characters have personalities and we feel like we're trapped in the sub with them. That's all one can ask for in a movie like this.
That being said, the performances are top notch. Matthew McConaughey, who has had an amazing year this year with "Magic Mike" and the upcoming "Killer Joe." This is one of his best performances. McConaughey plays the character as quiet and aloof, but intense when under pressure (which in this case, is nearly all the time). As always happens in the movies, Tyler learns what it means to be the commander of a submarine. He has to make decisions on the fly that could save them or kill them all.
Also impressive is Harvey Keitel, whose talent is as underrated as they come. Keitel is older than anyone else on board, but he does not have the highest rank. He gives Tyler advice and support, both of which he desperately needs. Jake Weber is suitably mysterious as Hirsch, the brains behind the operation. The cast of young character actors (including Tom Guiry and Will Estes) do good work as well.
Jonathan Mostow knows what this film needs: claustrophobia and constant tension. He's two for two. Once the film gets going (when the S-33 leaves the dock), the film never lets up. We're there with the crew in the tiny, cramped and crippled submarine. There are more than a few moments when you can cut the tension with a knife.
Simply put, this movie works.
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