- Film Review
- Reviewed By Alan Jones
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3 out of 5
In this popcorn sci-fi action thriller, three genetically mutated, super-intelligent sharks stalk the marooned members of an underwater research facility. A B-movie cast struggles gamely with the hopelessly mundane dialogue, but director Renny Harlin's submerged Cliffhanger remains afloat through sheer nerve, technical prowess and some truly spectacular shock moments involving computer-generated special effects. The tricks of the trade invented by Steven Spielberg for Jaws are all present and correct, but merely placed on a far bigger hi-tech canvas. The result is a gory, trashy blockbuster that succeeds despite its waterlogged script.
Plot Summary
Sci-fi action thriller starring Saffron Burrows and Thomas Jane and featuring Samuel L Jackson. As part of her research into finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease, Dr Susan McAlester has been controversially experimenting with the genetic makeup of sharks' brain tissue. When she looks in danger of losing funding for her operation, McAlester stages a demonstration for a wealthy businessman. But things do not go according to plan.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Dr Susan McAlester
- Saffron Burrows
- Carter Blake
- Thomas Jane
- Sherman "Preacher" Dudley
- L L Cool J
- Janice Higgins
- Jacqueline McKenzie
- Tom "Scog" Scoggins
- Michael Rapaport
- Jim Whitlock
- Stellan Skarsgård
- Brenda Kerns
- Aida Turturro
- Russell Franklin
- Samuel L Jackson
Crew
- Director
- Renny Harlin
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