I kind of like it. Admittedly, is a disappointment as an anticipated blockbuster, but it features plenty of action and an interesting premise. Suspension of disbelief is a must, but, hey, its the movies, so let that slide and enjoy the fun.
The interesting premise of a drowned world is a two-edged sword. While thought-provoking the the context of the current debate on global warming, it leads to one of the movie's weak points: it is visually dull. Lots of open water and empty sky. Not unusual for an ocean-based film, but those kinds of flicks (for example, the World War II Victory-At-Sea genre) need a powerful hook to keep the audience's attention. Waterworld tries in various scenes of sea-based battles and encounters with other "Drifters", but it isn't quite enough to distract the eye from the empty and seemingly endless stretches of ocean.
Similarly, Costner's character as a partially-mutated man-fish replete with webbed feet and functional gills, while necessary for the story line, challenges the suspension of disbelief a bit. Those familiar with evolution will know that something this fully developed doesn't occur in hundreds or even thousands of years, but more on the order of millions.
The other characters add some spice. Of course, Dennis Hopper's over-the-top portrayal of "The Deacon" leads the list, although I could have done without the gruesome empty eye socket routine. Sure, we know he was wounded by the Mariner (Costner), but just leave it at that, no need to shove it in our faces in every other scene. A tattered-looking Jeanne Tripplehorn gives a maternally-appealing performance as "Enola's" surrogate mother and protector. And, to be honest, even a tattered-looking Trippy is enough to tickle a young man's fancy.
Overall, a decent action-flick, somewhat of a water-based Mad Max, as others have noted, but that adds to the fun. Give it a viewing if you like shoot-em-ups with a twist.
The interesting premise of a drowned world is a two-edged sword. While thought-provoking the the context of the current debate on global warming, it leads to one of the movie's weak points: it is visually dull. Lots of open water and empty sky. Not unusual for an ocean-based film, but those kinds of flicks (for example, the World War II Victory-At-Sea genre) need a powerful hook to keep the audience's attention. Waterworld tries in various scenes of sea-based battles and encounters with other "Drifters", but it isn't quite enough to distract the eye from the empty and seemingly endless stretches of ocean.
Similarly, Costner's character as a partially-mutated man-fish replete with webbed feet and functional gills, while necessary for the story line, challenges the suspension of disbelief a bit. Those familiar with evolution will know that something this fully developed doesn't occur in hundreds or even thousands of years, but more on the order of millions.
The other characters add some spice. Of course, Dennis Hopper's over-the-top portrayal of "The Deacon" leads the list, although I could have done without the gruesome empty eye socket routine. Sure, we know he was wounded by the Mariner (Costner), but just leave it at that, no need to shove it in our faces in every other scene. A tattered-looking Jeanne Tripplehorn gives a maternally-appealing performance as "Enola's" surrogate mother and protector. And, to be honest, even a tattered-looking Trippy is enough to tickle a young man's fancy.
Overall, a decent action-flick, somewhat of a water-based Mad Max, as others have noted, but that adds to the fun. Give it a viewing if you like shoot-em-ups with a twist.