Blu-ray Review: Submarine Thriller ‘Phantom’ Wastes Talented Cast

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CHICAGO – “Opinions are antithetical to a clear chain of command.” Well, Mr. Cliched Submarine Movie Character, allow me to break the chain — “Phantom” is a dull excuse for a movie. Supposedly “Inspired by True Events,” this tale of a rogue Russian sub that almost started World War III features a super-talented cast and more strong performances to add to the resumes of the great Ed Harris & William Fichtner but it’s just a snooze as Director Tom Robinson produces more tedium than tension before getting to his ridiculous finale.

HollywoodChicago.com Blu-ray rating: 2.0/5.0
Rating: 2.0/5.0

“Phantom” barely appeared in theaters at all, amassing just over $1 million worldwide at the box office. It was a stunningly buried film given the pedigree of its cast, which includes Ed Harris, David Duchovny, William Fichtner, Lance Henriksen, and numerous other recognizable faces. It’s quick departure from theaters means most people didn’t see it and it’s the kind of thing likely to garner interest at home on Blu-ray or streaming. Don’t bother. While Harris gives his all as a traumatized sub captain who stands between man and WWIII when a KGB agent (played by a miscast Duchovny) basically takes command of his nuclear-armed vessel, the movie just has no rhythm. It lacks the claustrophobia and driving plot it needed to work. It feels clunky. And the finale is a disaster. Fans of Harris, an always-great actor, may be drawn to this and wonder how they missed it in theaters. After they see it, they’ll know why Fox buried it.

Phantom was released on Blu-ray and DVD on June 25, 2013
Phantom was released on Blu-ray and DVD on June 25, 2013
Photo credit: Fox

Synopsis:
At the height of the cold war, the world holds its breath when a Soviet submarine armed with nuclear missiles goes missing in the Pacific. On board the vessel, the battle-tested captain (Harris) and a rogue KGB agent (Duchovny) are waging a life-and-death game of cat and mouse. With enemy forces closing in and time running out, the captain fights to keep control with nuclear armageddon hanging in the balance. Starring four-time Academy Award nominee Ed Harris, Golden Globe winner David Duchovny (TV’s The X-Files), and William Fichtner (Armageddon).

Special Features:
o Facing The Apocalypse
o The Real Phantom
o Jeff Rona: Scoring Phantom
o “An Ocean Away” Music Video
o Audio Commentary

“Phantom” stars Ed Harris, David Duchovny, William Fichtner, and Lance Henriksen. It was directed by Tom Robinson. It was released on Blu-ray and DVD on June 25, 2013.

HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

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