In order to help protect future generations from earthquakes, a crew of
scientists have been given the task to circumnavigate the Earth underwater and
plant 50 sensors at predetermined locations. Interesting idea for a film,
but what ended up on screen wasn't very good. The rescue scene at the
beginning was interesting, but after that things just got lamer and lamer.
I wasn't expecting the story to be realistic, but ATWUTS is completely
bonkers. At one point, they're talking about how the water outside near
these hydrothermal vents is 390 degrees. There's some trouble planting the
sensor, so what does Lloyd Bridges do? He throws on his normal scuba gear
(remember we're at the bottom of the ocean) and plants the damn thing
himself!!! Afterwards, he simply says "
That was the hottest I've ever been in my life!" No shit. There are
many moments like this.
I'm sure ATWUTS was geared towards kids, but I was
at least hoping for
some exciting adventure. No. All of the underwater locations all
over the world looked exactly the same, there was absolutely no feeling of being
in a new location, the submarine set was dark and boring, the underwater
miniatures looked fake as hell, pointless side story about some underwater
treasure, bad dialogue, plot holes galore, topless Lloyd Bridges.
I'm sure people who saw this as an impressionable child still have fond memories
of ATWUTS, but as a handsome adult and a first time viewer I was bored
senseless. Skip it was a vengeance.
