| A luxurious ocean liner is capsized when it is struck by a tidal wave on New Years' Eve. With everything upside down and time running out before she sinks completely, a handful of desperate passengers are led by an unorthodox preacher to the safety of the top (bottom) of the boat. An all-star cast with a scene-stealing Shelley Winters and a loveable Roddy McDowall blend in well with the hot-tempered Ernest Borgnine as he battles Gene Hackman for leadership. The film looks a bit dated now, but will always be remembered for being the one that began the 70s genre of disaster flicks. ~ The Lord
So the special effects aren't so special anymore but Irwin Allen's sinking ship disaster movie, a kind of wish fulfillment version of the Titanic disaster, is still the superior item. Ridiculous and terribly entertaining at the same time, with a damp fine cast. ~ The Sloth
A sequel, Beyond The Poseidon Adventure followed seven years later.
See also Poseidon, a 2006 remake. |