The Big One

reviewed Wed, 31 Dec 1997 18:35:41 EST

Well, I've seen 2 movies each of the past 2 days, so today I went to just one movie... though it was sort of like 2 movies. That's right -- TITANIC. This is a truly spectacular movie, the type of epic that rarely gets made anymore. Every penny of the $200 million is up there on the screen -- it's breathtaking, beautiful, and moving. And no, it doesn't feel like 3 1/2 hours -- I've been in 90-minute movies that felt longer than this.

It's two movies not just because of its length, but because there's a clear division between the first half -- a period piece -- and the second -- a disaster movie. They're connected by the love story between Jack (the charming Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (the luminous Kate Winslet). The two lead actors are terrific and manage to handle the somewhat cheesy lines they occasionally have to spout with charm and wit. I was surprised at how emotional I got -- yes, I'll admit there were tears running down my face by the end.

And, of course, the sets are magnificent, as is the CGI work. It's indescribably stunning to watch the sinking of the ship, fascinating to see actual footage from the sunken wreck, and amazing to see the detailed re-creation of the pre-disaster Titanic. I know this long a movie kind of kills your whole day, but I very highly recommend it. I think it goes without saying that Titanic really should be seen in a theater (with as big a screen as possible). And just think -- you're practically getting two movies for the price of one!

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