FLIMgeeks

Movies That Shouldn't Have Sucked #002

Waterworld

Yes, Waterworld. No, I have not gone completely insane. This Movie should not have sucked. At the time it was the single most expensive film, until it was topped by Titanic, although generally regarded as a huge failure, this flick was in actuality mildly profitable (thanks to overseas reception).

Written by David Twohy, whom I normally credit as being quite intelligent, though not always profitable. Joss Whedon (uncredited) was called in near the end of production for script rewrites which he later referred to as “seven weeks of hell”.

Director Kevin Reynolds who is at least competent enough to make Robin Hood profitable, and talented enough to later release The Count of Monte Cristo is rumoured to have had disputes on set and left the project with two weeks left of filming. Rumour is that Kevin Costner himself finished the project. Reynolds would later remark, “Kevin Costner should only act in movies he directs. That way, he can work with his favourite actor and director.”

Bottom Line: The blame lies with Kevin Costner. As it does for the Postman, and Wyatt Earp.
How it should have been made:
Written by David Twohy and Joss Whedon
Directed by David Twohy (or Whedon for that matter, but perhaps a little too light).
Starring: Billy Zane as the Mariner (see Dead Calm), Anna Paquin as Enola (she was considered as a first choice) and Dennis Hopper (preferably not sober) remaining as Deacon although Gary Oldman was also considered for the role.

Remake potential: Effects of Global Warming give it a notch or two, but never gonna happen.

Also see: Movies that shouldn’t have sucked vol 1

DVD Reviews, Media Reviews