FilmSnobReviews

Title: Deepwater Horizon
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Peter Berg
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Kurt Russell, Gina Rodriguez
Runtime: 1 hr 47 mins

What It Is: In an oil rig offshore in the Gulf of Mexico stands Deepwater Horizon. A rig set to drill for BP (British Petroleum) somewhere in the vicinity of 110 million gallons. Mr. Jimmy (Russell) is chief of this hull and when BP executives pressure the crew to drill following a perceived pass of pressure tests they begin the drilling process. This leads to a breach that blows the whole rig. As fire consumes it the crew must try to save themselves and each other.

What We Think: Peter Berg and Marky Mark Wahlberg really seem to understand each other when it comes to telling true stories. I think perhaps this is because Wahlberg has that everyman quality about him that makes you believe he’s just a regular dude. It is that sensibility that helps audiences relate to him, to root for him. Gina Rodriguez shows she can handle some tougher material which is pleasant to see really. I like that. Berg is really good at showing the grit of humanity. The heart that beats and keeps each one of us alive.

Our Grade: A-, What a well put together piece of cinema. Peter Berg just gets this true to life experience. He makes it all seems human, real. Much like with Lone Survivor and Berg’s other films he tries to tell a story we want to know about. Almost as if these were members of his family he was telling a story about. That’s as good as we can ask for a film based on such a tragic event. I recommend this film to anyone who wants to take part in a harrowing journey. A contemporary story of when greed fails the common man and causes a disaster! One that cost the lives of 11 good people.