A very depressing movie indeed...

As submarine dramas go, K-19 doesn't rate well against the likes of "The Hunt for Red October" or "Crimson Tide" and even "U-571" was more gripping than this tale of a Russian sub that should never have left port.

The movie went through its paces, setting up the tension between Liam Neeson as the deposed sub captain and Harrison Ford as his replacement, establishing dissent amongst the crew about who the real captain of the boat was, and the focal point of the movie; the reactor meltdown that causes everything to converge.

Unfortunately, K-19 never made the emotional connection that it needed to make in order to satisfy me. I didn't care much about the fate of the crew, the leadership struggle didn't carry through its mission, and what should have been an ending about redemption was more of a convenient way to end the movie than a poignant statement about the politics of communist Russia.

If you're curious, wait for it to come out on PPV or rental. I save my Stay Away ratings for the likes of Adam Sandler movies, and K-19 doesn't come close to that level. However, if you're looking for a gripping drama or a good action film, this Harrison Ford production won't satisfy either goal.

I am not an expert on submarine dramas, nor do I go to a movie to get connected to it.

All I can tell you, in a lot less space, is that it was a good drama, very well acted, and held my attention.

"K-19:The Widowmaker" is a powerful story based on a real-life incident which occurred in 1961. Harrison ford plays the commander of the K-19:Widowmaker and used his command by the book. Liam Neeson (whose presence on the big screen is deeply missed, he would rather do live theater) plays his second in command. The conflict between the two reminds me of the conflict between Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington in "Crimson Tide" which came out in 1995.

The camera never fletches when sailors began suffering from radiation poisioning. Not an easy movie to watch, but "K-19:The Widowmaker" is a must-see and it's a history lesson on the dark days of the cold war.

I'm pretty much a lurker on these boards. Usually, I agree with the reviews. On this one, however, I have to say, "Wow; no see nows?"

I remember walking out of this movie in a daze, realizing that I just saw a movie that instantly drew me in, and held me for the entire flick. Yes, it was depressing. It was, however, interesting, and very, very well done. You're suppose to feel sad after this movie. It was the point, and it did it well.

I don't think that this is one of Harrison Ford's better roles.

If you go in knowing what to expect (more like a documentary than Hunt For Red October) this one won't disappoint. If you're looking for edge of your seat action and suspence, this one doesn't really cut it.