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Waterworld

Starring: Kevin Costner
Director: Kevin Reynolds
Genre: Science Fiction
Year: 2000
Rating: 3 / 5

Months before its release in 1997, Titanic was plagued by reports of cost overruns and production snafus. Critics were forecasting a disaster of epic proportions, daring to compare the James Cameron masterpiece to another waterlogged film with equally foreboding beginnings - Waterworld. Of course, Titanic would go on to gross over $600 million domestically and well over $1 billion worldwide. As for Waterworld, it was left with the ignominious distinction of being one of the biggest busts of the 1990s. The most startling fact about the Kevin Costner vehicle is that, for a film that was never even given a chance, it is a surprisingly entertaining offering. Then again, after such an onslaught of negative press, the film’s “redemption” might be more due to significantly lowered expectations!

Waterworld is not a triumph by any stretch of the imagination, and it is important to understand that right away. The film has its share of faults, the most egregious of which revolve around the band of villains led by Dennis Hopper, slithering into the role of yet another psychopath. On the other end of the spectrum, Kevin Costner is surprisingly engaging as a world-weary antihero, more interested in minding his own business than leading a people to salvation. It is Costner’s willingness to downplay any heroic tendencies and grind through the part that allows me to reconnect with a once-promising actor who lost his way. For this fan, though, the fact that Waterworld is a science fiction film set in a bleak future – ala The Road Warrior - is more than enough.

On a world covered by water, the Mariner (Kevin Costner) travels alone, making his way via trade with fellow wanderers and with atolls, sparsely populated outposts that pass for civilization. At one such atoll, after a quick stop to replenish his stores, the Mariner is imprisoned by the paranoid inhabitants. Discovering some facts about their new visitor that do not fit with their preconceived notions of the world, the locals decide to do away with him. Before his sentence can be carried out, the atoll is attacked by Deacon (Dennis Hopper) and his Smokers, ruffians looking for answers to a prophecy about dry land. Only when the Mariner is rescued by Helly (the “fetching” Jeanne Tripplehorn) and her young charge (Tina Majorino) does he realize that his two rescuers just might have some answers to this mystery.

For fans of Mel Gibson’s Mad Max trilogy, Waterworld is quite the treat, albeit a slightly inferior one. Despite the behind-the-scenes bickering between actor-producer Costner and director Kevin Reynolds, the finished product has its moments. Unfortunately, most viewers are unable to overlook certain strange facts. In a world that has been covered by water for hundreds of years, how can the Smokers possess an endless supply of cigarettes? How has this gang been able to power its jet skis for years based on the remnants of oil tankers? I am sure the filmmakers have all the answers for us, but sometimes, viewers should not have to work so hard. One is left to accept the truth that, while Waterworld has a decent number of flaws, it never deserved the harsh rap that sank it in the eyes of critics and fans alike.

Cast:

Certification: Rated PG-13 for language.
Running Time: 136 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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