Overall rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Best for Ages 13+
Ages 3 - 7: Red
Ages 8 - 12: Red
Ages 13 - 17: Yellow
Violence Amount: Yellow
Violence Portrayal:
Green
Fear: Yellow
Illegal / Harmful: Yellow
Language: Green
Nudity: Green
Sex: Green
Review:
Clive Cussler has written eleven books based
on the sea faring adventures of Dirk Pitt.
In this movie, Matthew McConaughey plays Dirk.
Steve Zahn plays his funny sidekick, Al. The
two men are treasure hunters and explorers
looking for a Civil War ship that was carrying
a lot of gold coin when it was blown off course
and sank. Their hunt has led them to the coast
of Africa where they meet and save Dr. Eva
Rojas (Penelope Cruz) from being killed for
searching for the source of a deathly illness.
Dr. Rojas works for the World Health Organization
and she ends up traveling with Dirk and Al.
They encounter fighting tribes, a French tycoon
trying to kill them, the source of the disease
and the lost ship. Will Dirk and Al take the
treasure and run or will they help save the
world from an infectious disease? Good and
evil are clearly defined, as is greed and
helping your fellow man. Parts of the story
are hard to believe but it is entertaining
to watch. It is reminiscent of the "Indiana
Jones" movies, just not quite as well
done. There is action, adventure and comedy.
Steve Zahn is always amusing and Matthew McConaughey
really buffed up for this part. There is some
action violence and people do get killed.
There are several fight scenes but nothing
too gory. The movie is entertaining, but is
rather stereotyped in its view of women and
African people. Children 13 and up should
enjoy it. Talk about stereotypes. How do they
hurt? Why does Dirk help Dr. Rojas in the
end? How can you tell the difference between
the good guys and the bad guys?
Linda
Thomas is a native Minnesotan. She
graduated from the University of
Minnesota with a double major in
sociology and psychology. Married
with a family, she has remained
in the Minneapolis area.
Linda has been a lover of movies
since she was a small child. This
love of film eventually brought
her to the point in life where
she is now, a film critic. She
was featured on WCCO radio for
three years on the “Dark
in the Morning” show with
Dark Star.
In December of 2001, Linda became
the film critic for the syndicated
“Ruth Koscielak Show”.
Linda sees over 150 movies a
year and has had the opportunity
to interview a number of directors
and actors when they are in town.
She has also appeared on a public
access show called the "Cinema
Judge" and has ventured into
writing for "Cinestar"
magazine in September 2002. The
Twin Cities movie magazine is
available, for free, at most local
Blockbuster's and local movie
cheaters.
As one of the few female reviewers
in the Twin Cities area, she brings
a unique point of view to her
reviews. Linda has raised two
children, a boy and a girl, and
knows what they like in movies
and what is appropriate. Hopefully,
her reviews will help your family
in choosing where to next spend
your movie-going dollar.
Linda
Thomas is a native Minnesotan. She
graduated from the University of
Minnesota with a double major in
sociology and psychology. Married
with a family, she has remained
in the Minneapolis area.