Danger runs deep

Starring: Gene Hackman, Denzel Washington, Matt Craven, George Dzundza, Viggo Mortensen, James Gandolfini, Rocky Carroll, Jaime Gomez

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"We're here to preserve democracy — not to practice it." - Capt. Frank Ramsey

Why watch this? It's a nail-bitter about a submarine armed with nuclear warheads, and a commander itching to launch.

Plot Summary: Amidst political instability in Russia, a US nuclear submarine, the USS Alabama, is deployed to monitor a potential nuclear threat. Aboard the submarine, a clash of wills erupts between the veteran Captain Ramsey and the new Executive Officer, Lt. Commander Hunter, over conflicting interpretations of a critical launch order. Their disagreement escalates, putting the fate of the submarine and the world on the line as they struggle for command.

Dad's Preview: Gene Hackman excels in the role of a veteran submarine commander who does things by the book, and refuses to listen to his first officer, the calm Denzel Washington. We're talking World War III here, and launching nuclear missiles should be the absolute last resort. A mutiny of power occurs. It's followed by a military tribunal to determine fault. The battle between these two heavyweight stars is a thing of beauty. Also noteworthy are early performances by James Galdolfini and Viggo Mortensen.

Hollywood Pictures, Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films;
Buena Vista Pictures Dist.