Roger Ebert's Dislike of 'Deep Rising': A Reflection of the 90s Monster Movie Trend
In the late 1990s, a wave of monster movies emerged, capitalizing on the advancements in visual effects technology. Among these, 'Deep Rising' stood out as a blend of 'Jaws' and 'The Poseidon Adventure', featuring a giant octopus-like monster and a stellar cast of character actors. However, despite its impressive cast and entertaining premise, the film received a scathing review from Roger Ebert, who gave it a mere one-and-a-half stars.
Ebert's criticism was twofold. Firstly, he argued that 'Deep Rising' was a derivative work, borrowing heavily from other recent films, particularly 'Alien'. He noted the similarity in the monster's behavior, the confined setting, and the formulaic plot. This observation highlights a broader trend in Hollywood, where executives might need to communicate more to avoid recycling the same ideas.
Secondly, Ebert found the humor in the film underwhelming, despite acknowledging the strong performances of Kevin J. O'Connor and Djimon Honsou. He described the movie as an 'Alien' clone with a fresh paint job, emphasizing his dissatisfaction with the lack of originality.
The twist ending, which I will spoil, adds an element of surprise. After the survivors escape the squid monster, they find themselves on a beach, only to be confronted by an unknown, giant creature lurking in the jungle. While this twist provides a moment of excitement, it is not enough to salvage the film's overall mediocrity.
'Deep Rising' was a box office disappointment, grossing only a fraction of its $45 million budget. Despite this, director Stephen Sommers' next project, 'The Mummy', became a commercial success. The film's legacy is one of being hastily forgotten, a victim of the 90s monster movie trend that failed to produce lasting classics.
Ebert's review of 'Deep Rising' serves as a reflection of the era's tendency to rely on familiar formulas, often at the expense of originality. It also underscores the challenge of creating a truly unique and memorable monster movie in a crowded market.
