Charting a Course Through Danger and Drama

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MOVIE REVIEW
Dangerous Waters
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Genre: Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 41m
Director(s): John Barr
Writer(s): Mark Jackson
Cast: Odeya Rush, Eric Dane, Saffron Burrows, Ray Liotta
Where To Watch: releases in select theaters and On Demand October 13, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: DANGEROUS WATERS sails us through a storm of turbulent emotions, creating ripples of anticipation that crash into waves of heart-stopping action. We're swept into a puzzle, where each piece slots into place with Odeya Rush’s impeccable transition from a sorrowful teen, Rose, to a daring vengeance seeker. A voyage initially painted with the gentle strokes of family bonding morphs into a chaotic tempest, revealing sinister undertows beneath seemingly tranquil waves.

Embarking on a nautical adventure with DANGEROUS WATERS, we’re greeted by the endless blue ocean, which beholds serene family moments and hides treacherous secrets. At the directorial helm, John Barr captivates us with an intricately woven plot where tranquility is masterfully eclipsed by looming malevolence. What promises to be a serene maritime journey for Rose and her mother, Alma (Saffron Burrows), is suddenly engulfed by a storm of treachery and violence, spun into motion by Alma’s new partner, Derek (Eric Dane, embodying charm and menace in equal measure).

What unfolds is a narrative that is as unpredictable and commanding as the sea, where peaceful moments morph seamlessly into chaos and betrayal, navigated by young Rose. Her voyage from sorrow to rage, culminating in an unwavering pursuit of justice, weaves a poignant and resilient thread through the narrative seas, providing an anchoring point amidst the swirling currents of the plot.

Derek moves like a threatening storm on the horizon as the antagonist, his sinister dealings creeping progressively into the light, casting a foreboding shadow over what should have been an idyllic trip. His multifaceted villainy, oscillating between charm and malevolent threat, navigates through slightly unstable narrative waves, occasionally veering into the realm of an overdramatic, almost cartoon-like villain.

Adding a sad undertone to the film is The Captain, portrayed with depth by the late Ray Liotta in his final and tragically abbreviated performance. Despite the reworked script due to his unexpected departure, Liotta's presence lingers, a haunting reminder of a lost but never forgotten soul.

DANGEROUS WATERS occasionally teeters precariously on the brink of some well-trodden narrative paths but manages to steer clear of total predictability, especially in its climax. The final act reinvigorates the journey, plunging us into a maelstrom of action and passionate confrontations, delivering us to a concluding port that is both explosively satisfying and emotionally resonant. This saves a slow-burn film from dragging the entire runtime.

DANGEROUS WATERS might not solidify itself as a legendary tale within the vast ocean of cinema, but it securely anchors within its genre, offering a tumultuous voyage that will undoubtedly be enjoyed by those who dare to navigate its stormy narrative seas of survival, revelation, and retribution.

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[photo courtesy of BRAINSTORM MEDIA]

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