Deepstar Six - A poor man's 'Leviathan'

I don't know whether I should have done this or not, but I watched 'Leviathan' and then 'Deepstar Six' pretty much back to back.  I'd never seen either of them before, but I'd heard they're quite similar in themes and even made in the same year (1989).  Yes, it's fair to say they're effectively the same film, only told with different actors and sets etc.

Both take place on board underwater rigs in the near future where the crews encounter a large monster who ends up hunting them down one by one.  Yes, they're both - reasonably - low budget B-movies with nothing amazing to say about either.  However, whereas 'Leviathan' was actually quite good fun with memorable characters, well-designed creature effects and fast paced, 'Deepstar Six' slogs along like it's wading through the very depths of the ocean it's set in.

There's little to say about 'Deepstar Six' other than it's an example of a film that's almost identical to another, yet totally different in terms of enjoyment factor.  For a start it's longer - and it feels it.  However, perhaps the hardest aspect to get over in a 'monster movie' is the fact that the creature itself doesn't actually show itself until well over the hour mark.  And, when it does, it's hardly memorable.  I suppose at least when the nasty beastie shows up it gives us something to think about, i.e. the crew now have to survive.  In fact, once the monster arrives I actually couldn't really think of a single plot event that took place in the first hour!

If there's one high point it's Miguel Ferrer.  I know I'm a fan of his since 'Robocop' and 'Twin Peaks,' but he's by far the most interesting and watchable character among the cast.  The rest are totally forgettable.

If you like your 'creature features' and appreciate practical effects and low budget horror, then 'Leviathan' is the one for you.  Or at least watch 'Deepstar Six' first so that you get it out the way before you really get to the good one of the two.

5/10 a hard trek, a bit like unicycling to Mordor and back