Roger Ebert's scathing review of 'Deep Rising' is a fascinating insight into the world of 90s monster movies. Ebert, a renowned film critic, took aim at this 1998 film, calling it a 'stellar example of a truly awful monster flick'. His disdain for the movie is evident, and it's a surprising contrast to his earlier praise for 'Mimic', a sci-fi horror film released the previous year. Ebert's critique highlights the film's derivative nature, borrowing heavily from 'Alien' and other recent monster movies like 'Anaconda' and 'Hard Rain'. He found the humor lacking and the plot formulaic, leaving him uninspired. Despite the movie's flaws, Ebert's personal interpretation adds a layer of complexity to the discussion, suggesting that the film's influence on the genre is worth exploring further.
The article delves into the broader context of the late 90s monster movie trend, noting the impact of shifting visual effects technology. It questions the creativity of Hollywood execs, suggesting that the industry may have been relying too heavily on established formulas. The piece also touches on the film's twist ending, which, while clever, is described as a 'little wink' rather than a groundbreaking revelation. The author's personal view is that 'Deep Rising' is above average, with slick action and a fun monster, but it fails to offer anything truly original.
The analysis concludes by acknowledging the film's box office failure and its subsequent hasty forgetting. It raises the question of whether the movie's legacy is one of a forgotten flop or a forgotten gem. The article ends with a thought-provoking idea, suggesting that the film's influence on the genre may be more significant than initially thought, despite its flaws. This perspective adds a layer of intrigue to the discussion, inviting readers to reconsider their views on 'Deep Rising' and its place in the history of monster movies.
