White Squall (1996)

I enjoyed the movie for the sheer physical exuberance of its adventure. It is magnificently mounted and photographed.

White Squall is a success because the good elements are so well-orchestrated that they dwarf the few obvious flaws. This film offers just about everything, including a twenty-minute white-knuckle sequence and a chance to shed a few tears. In short, it's first-rate entertainment.

Amid the action heroics of White Squall, Bridges creates a character of consequence.

The story has its corny aspects, but thanks to Scott's skill as an image maker and as a storyteller--proceeding from the very blue and very abstract water seen behind the credits to the climactic, extended storm--this is superior to both "Dead Poets Society" (as a tale about a boys' school and its charismatic teacher) and "Apollo 13" (as a true-life action adventure).

White Squall is lovely to look at, but frustrating to behold.