Bat Shit Movie Reviews

The parallel between Preacher’s aquatic odyssey and Horatio’s perspective in “Hamlet” cannot be overlooked. Where Horatio stands as a lens into the tragic descent of Denmark, Preacher offers a relatable vantage point into the dark abyss teeming with genetically enhanced predators.

-Reginald Kensington, NYC Elitist and Cinephile

Dearest readers, while my expertise and affection predominantly lie in the realm of children’s cinema, the fervent appeals from my colleagues for a necessary critique on the occasional “shark flick” could not be ignored. Thus, I momentarily step away from animated tales and fairy-tale reboots to present to you my thoughts on “Deep Blue Sea.”

“Deep Blue Sea,” Renny Harlin’s 1999 foray into the realm of scientific thrillers, is akin to a sublime ballet danced upon the tempestuous waves of genetic experimentation. While the cinematic spectacle unfurls with its fair share of tension and predatory pandemonium, it is the performance of LL Cool J, taking on the role of the ship’s chef, Preacher, that infuses this film with a touch of undeniable sophistication. One cannot help but be reminded of the introspective journey of Horatio, as he bears witness to the unfolding Shakespearean drama in “Hamlet.”

From the opening scenes, LL Cool J’s undeniable magnetism captures one’s attention. In a narrative where many characters are eclipsed by the terror of cerebral sharks, Preacher emerges as a veritable fount of wit, resourcefulness, and palpable warmth—a heartbeat in the watery chaos of “Deep Blue Sea.”

It’s Preacher’s quips, imbued with sagacious humor, that charm the discerning viewer. Faced with the jaws of danger, he retorts, “You ate my bird! My bird, ate my bird!” These moments of levity artfully punctuate the prevailing suspense that grips the narrative.

Beyond mere comedic moments, LL Cool J’s portrayal gifts Preacher with a humanity that seems conspicuously absent in his fellow shipmates. Through Preacher, we explore the world of gastronomy, his unwavering faith, and the art of survival against nature’s most formidable aquatic foes. His chef’s intuition, an unlikely weapon against impending doom, becomes his most potent ally, reminiscent of how a maestro might use a conductor’s baton to command nature’s elements.

Consider his strategic lure: “You ate my bird! Then you come in here, and you sprinkle bird crumbs all over the place!” as he cunningly directs a predator to a gas-charged oven. Such cerebral tactics, juxtaposed with moments of levity, underscore LL Cool J’s artful balance between drama and comedy.

The parallel between Preacher’s aquatic odyssey and Horatio’s perspective in “Hamlet” cannot be overlooked. Where Horatio stands as a lens into the tragic descent of Denmark, Preacher offers a relatable vantage point into the dark abyss teeming with genetically enhanced predators.

While “Deep Blue Sea” teeters on the precipice of scientific incredulity, it is grounded by LL Cool J’s captivating aura. Amidst awe-inspiring underwater cinematography and edge-of-seat sequences, Preacher’s multidimensional character offers a depth and nuance often absent in films of this genre.

In summation, while “Deep Blue Sea” may not ascend to the pinnacles of cinematic artistry, its appeal is undeniable. The film owes its allure to LL Cool J’s portrayal of Preacher—a chef that crafts survival as deftly as he might a gourmet dish. I urge the discerning viewer to embark on this aquatic journey, savoring every quip and stratagem that Preacher brings to the table, much as one would with Horatio’s observances in the timeless “Hamlet.”

I shall soon return to my cherished domain of children’s films, but for now, indulge me, and dive deep with Mr. Cool J. And for heaven’s sake, please turn to this fantastical film before the other fishy films with which it has been forced to share a genre such as “Finding Nemo” or “The Meg“. A side foray into “Jaws” would be perfectly acceptable as an aperitif to the cosmically delightful performance of Lord LL.

Rating: Four BatShits of Five in large part thanks to Lord LL Cool J’s Tenacious Artisanship

Yours truly,

Reginald Kensington

*Reginald Kensington is a world renowned NYC elite and cinephile. We are thrilled that he has joined the BSMR team of reviewers. Learn more about Reginald Kensington here.