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Hollywood has long been fascinated by the undersea world. Here are some of its most buoyant movies:

The Abyss (CBS/Fox, 1989)
In James Cameron's ultra-tech adventure, Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio encounter some aquatic E.T.s. The $40 million-plus budget shows, but the ending is silly. B

The Big Blue (RCA/Columbia, 1988)
Luc Besson's exquisitely filmed ode to free diving is stymied by a silly script: Rosanna Arquette has to vie with a dolphin for the affections of Jean-Marc Barr. B-

The Incredible Mr. Limpet (Warner, 1964)
Don Knotts mutates into a cartoon trout, has fishy sex, and saves the Allied navy from Nazi U-boats. B+

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (Disney, 1954)
James Mason's tormented Captain Nemo is unforgettable in this riveting Jules Verne saga. A


Posted Dec 07, 1990 | Published in issue #43 Dec 07, 1990 | Order Article Reprints