'The Poseidon Adventure' is a supremely entertaining flick from the days when blockbusters were amongst the best movies out there. Rather than the worst.
Sure, it's corny and it's histrionics can seem overly familiar, but it still packs a punch. This is due to the fact that it's played completely straight. Well, relatively straight in the case of the Borgnine/ Stevens double-act. And it achieves real dramatic resonance from it's allegorical plot line. It pretty much created the template for the 'disaster' film.
Favourite bits:
Red Buttons' funky little walk up on deck.
The way Pamela Sue Martin and her date boogie down when they hit the dance floor.
Pamela Sue Martin's legs. Ditto Carol Lynley.
Lynley's hippy brother.
Roddy McDowall's accent and dialogue (consisting mostly of "yes, sir" and "I think so, sir").
Ernest Borgnine learning that kids can be useful as well as merely irritating.
Hackman's "Please, God - not THIS woman" schtick and death scene.
All of Stella Stevens' wardrobe.
