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Review

Though he is uncharacteristically abrasive, Ford nevertheless proves to be a commanding presence in this suspenseful if sometimes aloof submarine thriller that doesn't quite measure up to the daddy of 'em all, Das Boot. Directed with competence by ace action helmer Bigelow, the story recalls the true-life tale about a Russian sub that nearly brought about a nuclear nightmare during the height of the Cold War. Ford is Vostrikov, the strict captain who has taken over command of the K-19. Neeson is Polenin, the sub's former captain and the man to whom the crew pledge their allegience. When a leak in the sub's cooling system threatens a meltdown, the two men square off against each other in a race to thwart nuclear disaster. The battle for authority eventually becomes secondary to the difficult task at hand: sending their men to almost certain death to repair the leak. Though the conflict between the two captains doesn't quite resonate as it should, Bigelow maintains tension throughout as to who will live, who will die, and -- although we know the answer at the outset -- will they succeed.