The Poseidon Adventure

Synopsis

The Poseidon Adventure is a thrilling disaster film set aboard the luxury ocean liner SS Poseidon, which is capsized by a massive rogue wave on its voyage. With the ship now upside down and rapidly sinking, a group of survivors band together led by Reverend Frank Scott, played by Gene Hackman, to navigate the perilous journey through the overturned vessel in hopes of finding a way to safety. The film captures the intense struggle for survival amid chaos and danger as the survivors face numerous obstacles, both structural and personal, while trying to escape the doomed ship. This classic 1972 movie blends suspense, drama, and heroism in a gripping tale of courage and resilience.

Cast

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  Gene Hackman

  Reverend Scott

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  Ernest Borgnine

  Mike Rogo

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  Red Buttons

  James Martin

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  Carol Lynley

  Nonnie Parry

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  Roddy McDowall

  Acres

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  Stella Stevens

  Linda Rogo

Reviews

The Poseidon Adventure has been praised for its pioneering special effects and tense, well-crafted storytelling, solidifying its place as a classic in the disaster genre. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a respectable 81% approval rating, with critics highlighting the film's suspenseful pace and compelling ensemble cast. The consensus notes, "The Poseidon Adventure combines thrilling action with strong performances, delivering a survival story that remains engaging decades after its release." IMDb users rate it 7.1/10, reflecting generally favorable audience opinions appreciating its blend of character development and intense sequences. Metacritic scores the film at 70/100, indicating generally favorable reviews. Critics have lauded Gene Hackman's commanding performance and the film’s effective use of tension and set design to create a claustrophobic atmosphere. Some criticism points to occasional melodramatic moments and dated special effects compared to modern blockbusters, but these aspects do little to diminish its impact. Overall, The Poseidon Adventure is regarded as a landmark disaster film that laid the groundwork for subsequent movies in the genre and continues to entertain with its suspenseful narrative and strong ensemble cast.