“The Perfect Storm” – Based on the true story of New England swordfishermen who battle a convergence of three vicious storms in 1991, director Wolfgang Peterson’s adaptation of Sebastian Junger’s book lets the power the events supply the momentum. Hurting for money, Billy Tyne’s (George Clooney) crew makes a big catch at the Flemish Cap, but the ice machine creaks and they choose to confront the storm to get back home. Much more than a simple thrill ride, the groundbreaking storm images set the stage for gritty performances by Clooney, Mark Wahlberg and others, a thrilling subplot about a Coast Guard rescue attempt, and a steady supply of genuine relationships, surprising heroism and Kleenex-worthy tragedy. Somehow this film is greater than the sum of its parts, and the transcendent feeling is supported by James Horner’s score. “The Perfect Storm” ranks with “Apollo 13,” “Titanic” and “Armageddon” among the great adventure epics. A+
– John Hansen, NDSU Spectrum, Sept. 8, 2000