Director Peter Berg has already cemented himself as a great filmmaker offering you some really powerful films including his previous team up with Mark Wahlberg with Lone Survivor. Now they are teaming back up for yet another true life story with Deepwater Horizon featuring a great besides Wahlberg including Kurt Russell, Gina Rodriguez, John Malkovich, Ethan Suplee, Dylan O’Brien, and Kate Hudson, but does the film capture the true nature of the horrible tragedy its bringing to life or will it be a a complete disaster?

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Deepwater Horizon follows the story of the offshore drilling rig Deepwater Horizon, which exploded during April 2010 and created the worst oil spill in U.S. history. The trailers for this film offered up a very action heavy vibe, but going in I was wondering if it was going to just be a small portion of the film end capped with all the before and after drama, but to my surprise it kept the focus on the disaster for almost the entire film. The story is handled really well to keep the focus on the disaster itself and their fight to survive such a horrific event. While Wahlberg gets top billing this film plays up as more of an ensemble piece with every character getting their own moments to shine or struggle. This sort of story can’t focus on just one person or aspect and thankfully Berg has balanced it perfectly to make sure that they are all given the time needed to showcase their moments in these events while still keeping it flowing smoothly. Everyone here gave great performances with them all having to showcase a wide range of emotions to make you feel like you are right there with them during this tragic time in their lives.  

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One thing I always love is seeing the breakdown of the hero when he has that moment to finally relax and they hit that note to perfection. Seeing realism in these characters further honors the horrible situation they were forced to endure while still being an entertaining film. These moments are some of the most impactful even more so than the action itself. While the character moments are obviously the most important aspect to this historic story this film wouldn’t work had it not been able to really smash you over the head with the true nature of the destruction it endured and they succeed above and beyond expectations. From the moment the first explosion happens this film does not let up until the very end offering up edge of your seat intensity that never allows you to relax until the final moments of the film. It is amazing the work that went into to being this to life and it is stunningly terrifying. The trailers only give you a small glimpse at what they are dealing with, but until you see it you cannot imagine. Realizing that real people were on this thing during this intense situation makes you really question how anyone could have survived and makes you angry to why it happened in the first place.  

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This is a thrilling movie throughout that not only entertains as the ultimate disaster film, but also shines a light on not only the injustice that occurred, but to the memories of those that were there. We sometimes forget the things people endure in the world and seeing this film is a harsh reminder of the true dangers these jobs entail and brings the faceless news story to epic life in a film that will be hard to forget.

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In addition to the film this release features numerous featurettes that take you deeper behind bringing this tragedy to life and shining the spotlight on those real life heroes that lived through this ordeal. Grab your copy now on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD available now from Lionsgate Home Entertainment.