Beyond the horizon lies the secret to a new beginning.

Starring: Kevin Costner, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Dennis Hopper, Tina Majorino, Michael Jeter, Gerard Murphy, Chaim Jeraffi, Rick Aviles, R.D. Call, Kim Coates, John Fleck

DML Rating: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ - above average

"Because I haven't seen it. And I've sailed further than most men have dreamed." – Mariner, speaking of Dryland

Why watch this? It is large on scope, but just can't quite match other post-apocalyptic films.

Plot Summary: In a distant future where melting ice caps have submerged the Earth, a lone mariner navigates a water-covered world, seeking resources and avoiding dangerous pirates known as Smokers. His solitary existence is disrupted when he reluctantly becomes entangled with a woman and a young girl who possess a unique clue to finding a mythical place called Dryland. As they journey across the vast ocean, the Mariner must protect them from the relentless pursuit of the Smokers who seek clues to finding Dryland first.

Dad's Preview: Costner's prolific career has been marked by highs and lows. He really wanted this Mad-Max-on-the-sea adventure to work. It was shot on the ocean, which caused a ton of cost overruns, however the stunts, contraption-creativity and cinematography are to be commended. There were two weaknesses: the script often tries to be too cute, and Dennis Hopper's performance as The Deacon is dreadful - when a film's central villain falls short, you feel short-changed. That said Costner, as the unique mariner, does a very nice job. Tripplehorn and Majorinio, as mother and daughter, add some necessary emotional weight to the film.

Gordon Co., Davis Ent., Licht/Mueller Film Corp.; Universal Pictures