Britannic

Lots of cheap and cheerful CGI features prominently in this pretty average depiction of one of the more interesting maritime espionage stories of WWI. The eponymous converted liner, ostensibly an hospital ship, was one of the sister ships of RMS "Titanic" and was sunk in 1916 off the coast of a Greek island. What we are presented with here is a version of just what might have happened onboard in the lead up to this catastrophe. Suspicious that something might go awry on board, the authorities put rookie agent "Vera Campbell" (Amanda Ryan) on board. The Captain (John Rhys-Davies) has little faith in her, or in the intelligence that his ship might be in danger - but events on board soon change his mind. She proves to be quite a potent counter-agent, but can she find the criminal mastermind charged with the destruction of the vessel? We know from pretty early on who that person is, and given the result is historical fact there is little jeopardy. That leaves us with a pretty mediocre, increasingly romantic, drama set upon the high sees with plenty of scope for adventure, but sadly very little excitement. Jacqueline Bissett appears now and again adding precious little aside from her name and the production has made for television written all over it. It is an interesting take on the story, and in better hands with a better cast it might be a tale worth telling. This, however is all instantly forgettable stuff.

One of the most underrated movies of all time. The screenplay is well-written, the Titanic-style story is dramatic, great acting, memorable characters, catchy soundtrack and beautiful CGI even for 2000 standards. Britannic is just classic as the Concorde movie and the Black Cadillac movie.