Phantom [Blu-ray]

A mix between the Hunt For Red October & Crimson Tide. Exciting and tense and true. I enjoyed this and recommend it. I say B+.
"There are only 2 reasons for a boat to go rogue. One is to defect and the other is to start a war and I don't think we're defecting." This movie is based on actual evens set during the Cold War between the US and the USSR. After returning home and excited about being on leave the A Russian sub captain (Harris) and crew are stunned when they are chosen to go on another mission right away. The mission is classified and the only one on the sub that knows the details is a KGB agent Duchovny). When certain details emerge the crew starts to rethink the orders they are given. I was looking forward to seeing this for really one reason. I am a huge Ed Harris fan. He did not disappoint in this movie. The movie itself is also really good and the best way to describe it is a mix of Hunt For Red Octber and Crimson Tide. The fact that the movie is true makes it even more interesting to watch. It is a little predictable but that does not take away from the enjoyment of the movie at all. If you are...

Worth Watching
If you're able to look past the fact that all of the Russians are played by Americans (running from Americans) who, with the exception of William Fichtner, never remotely attempt an accent, you'll find you're in for a real treat with Phantom. A cast of recognizable--iconic even--faces come together for this quiet, smart tale of intrigue. Ed Harris is as tremendous as ever but it's David Duchovny who turns in the most unexpected performance. A very enjoyable film packed with extras that are worth watching, especially in regards to the historical truths the movie is based upon. The metaphysical ending might confuse some but the visuals throughout the film lend to the 'haunted' aspect of the film. I'd say this is more 'U-571' than 'Hunt for Red October' but if you're a submarine fan, this is an admirable entry to the genre. The fact that it was filmed entirely on board an actual Soviet sub made it even more interesting. Enjoy!

PHANTOM Is A Smart Cold War Thriller
It used to be that Hollywood knew a thing or two about producing some outstanding, patriotic military thrillers. I'm not talking about the drum-beating variety; rather, I'm talking about stories that focused on characters with a commitment to whatever country they served, and these characters would then be allowed to carry out their mission at whatever the cost. That's the stuff audiences typically embrace - not these veiled anti-war, anti-American, anti-decency dramatic potboilers. If you'd told me twenty years ago that I'd have to watch a film about a Soviet submarine captain who does what's necessary to save all of humanity in order to have that thirst for solid military drama sated, then I would've told you to drop down and give me twenty.

(NOTE: The following review will contain minor spoilers necessary solely for the discussion of plot and characters. If you're the kind of reader who prefers a review entirely spoiler-free, then I'd encourage you to skip down to...

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