Search - Submerged on DVD

K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 12/17/2023...

So so Seagal entertainment but you should watch if a fan of him!

Leave it at the bottom of the sea

M. S. Skidmore | Kinver, United Kingdom | 02/02/2009

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Our favourite fading action star and direct to video purveyor of junk (yep, that's you Steven) returns with another mindless and poorly dubbed excuse for a film that barely grades as both a film and a piece of entertainment.

The story has The Seagal playing Chris Cody (ex military, ex special opps, ex pizza restaurant owner - tick if any apply) recently released from a US military prison to lead a team of mercenaries who are on the quest to stop a renegade scientist Dr Lehder (played by british actor Nick Brimble, who at least makes an effort) who has developed a strange mind control technology that has been created to turn soldiers into unstoppable killing machines. Cody is promised by the government that if he brings the mad doctor back in and rescues a delta team who have been kidnapped, he and his team will be cleared of their crimes of misconduct and paid a cool £100,000 each. However, our good friend The Seagal is suspicious of this and takes the mission into his own hands and leads the team into enemy territory without the aid of the military. From here on in, its all submarine corridors, actionless action and terrible dubbing.

The Seagal seems like he is in some other movie for the most part, spouting stupid dialogue which raises question to who or what he is supposed to be - the dubbing doesn't help matters as well. With his own voice replaced by a totally different actor in various scene length sections - and when he does make the effort to loop is own lines, he changes the delivery so many times, you just give up trying to follow him. Vinnie Jones fares so much better and his performance is strong and really keeps the picture moving - both funny and engaging, he pushes the movie and if justice was anything, would have been given top billing. His performance outstrips The Seagal at every turn.

Production values are questionable to say the least. It all looks like outtakes from other movies (a staple element from producers Nu Image / Millennium) with stock sets and terrible effects work. The supporting cast do seem to try (although an opportunity is wasted when action star Gary Daniels fights The Seagal, which is rather abruptly over in seconds!), but when your star just seems to be coasting and offering random speeches that don't fit in with the story displayed on screen - it seems their efforts are for nought.

Its a shame as director Anthony Hickox is a personal favourite and on past performances, shows creative flare on low budget horror and action vehicles - witness his excellent 'Waxwork' and 'Hellraiser' sequel - but, even he seems to be lost in this dull exercise. Having read his comments about working on the production, I get the idea this wasn't his finest hour, either.

Again, another entry in the dull line of direct to video pap for the once action legend. Oh, how 'Exit Wounds' was such a long time ago now. I blame myself as I keep coming back for more, but what with this - the dull 'Pistol Whipped' and the abominable 'Attack Force' - The Seagal is going to find it hard to regain his fans. Sure, 'Renegade Justice' was a minor diamond in the rough - but, when an audience gets the feeling that the star isn't interested in what he is making himself - then, eventually your audience will just move away.

Sony's disc is a movie only affair. A standard transfer - but, as the movie doesn't offer anything in terms of good production values, it doesn't really matter. Two stars for Vinnie Jones and Anthony Hickox. Rental recommended before buying."

Very enjoyable!!!!!!!!!!!

Unique | Washington, D.C. | 12/30/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am sooooo glad that I chose to ignore the negative comments given here regarding Steven Seagal's movie titled "Submerged" because it was truly entertaining! Personally, I summize that the negativeness is basically not only because he is tall and attractive, but also because he is a Master of his self-defense skills in real life and displays them well on film! Being 6'4" in height helps him carry the additional weight quite well! Therefore, it bears no hendrance to the storyline at all which remains very enjoyable. After all, that's what movies are for.....enjoyable entertainment!"

An off kilter mission, with some unusual flavors for a Seaga

trebe | 05/23/2010

(2 out of 5 stars)

"There's a lot happening in Submerged (2005), an often confusing action film, set in Uruguay, starring Steven Seagal. The story revolves around a process of mind control, where subjects can be programmed to kill on command.

Chris Cody (Seagal) is pulled out a military prison, to lead a team of mercenaries on a mission to free a group of captured soldiers. Doctor Adrian Lehder (Nick Brimble), the originator of the mind control process, is also on the mercenaries' hit list. Included in the mission is Dr. Susan Chappell (Christine Adams), who has some knowledge of the secret mind altering process.

The prisoners are being held at a base inside a dam, and with Cody's friend Damita's help, the group mounts an attack, spearheaded by Henry (Vinnie Jones). Penetrating inside, the group manages to free the American prisoners, making an unlikely escape in a submarine. Things get complicated, when the rescued soldiers, who have been exposed to the mind control treatment, turn against their rescuers. The sub goes down to the bottom, but most of Cody's group manages to get back to shore safely. Lehder the nutcase, is still on the loose, now involved in a plan to assassinate the President of Uruguay.

Things here are something of a team effort, as Big Steve kind of takes a back seat for a while, as a mean and nasty Henry steps to the front, as the point man for delivering the mayhem. With Christine Adams, and Alison King as Damita, there is a strong feminine presence, with both prepared for action. In the home stretch, Cody comes to life, as Seagal slips his hero cape back on to impersonate the American ambassador to Uruguay, at a performance at the Montevideo opera house. Following this, Cody single handedly wraps up the remaining loose ends.

The action sequences are a mixed bag, as some are well done, while others are total flops. The characters are mostly cartoonish, and the story a bit hard to follow at times, with some unexpected twists, and a traitor or two. The dialog is frequently weak, with Seagal being dubbed in a few places. With the supporting cast taking a more prominent role, Submerged is a slight change of pace, from the typical straight ahead Seagal action flick. This may make it of interest to some that are not normally Seagal fans."