Waterworld Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A fish-man kidnaps a girl with a map on her back so a pirate with a bad eye doesn’t find the last McDonald’s.

🍿 Waterworld: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A World Overrun by Water

In a post-apocalyptic future, the Earth’s polar ice caps have melted, submerging nearly all land. Civilization clings to existence on floating atolls and scavenged vessels. Resources, especially fresh water and dirt, are incredibly valuable. The Mariner, a solitary drifter, navigates this watery world, trading for survival.

Encounter at the Atoll

The Mariner arrives at a bustling atoll seeking to trade dirt. He’s met with suspicion and hostility, particularly when his mutant gills and webbed feet are discovered. Meanwhile, rumors swirl about a young girl, Enola, who possesses a mysterious tattoo on her back said to lead to ‘Dryland’.

The Smokers’ Attack

The atoll is attacked by the ‘Smokers’, a ruthless gang of pirates led by the Deacon. They’re searching for Enola and her map to Dryland. In the chaos, Enola and her guardian, Helen, are forced to rely on the Mariner for escape, leading to an uneasy alliance and a desperate flight across the open water.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mariner (Kevin Costner): A mutated loner who reluctantly helps a woman and a young girl find the mythical Dryland.
• Helen (Jeanne Tripplehorn): A resourceful woman who believes in Dryland and seeks to find it for a better future.
• Enola (Tina Majorino): A young girl who holds the key to finding Dryland with a map tattooed on her back.
• Deacon (Dennis Hopper): The ruthless and power-hungry leader of the Smokers, determined to find Dryland for himself.
• Gregor (Michael Jeter): An eccentric inventor who helps Helen and Enola in their quest to find Dryland.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mariner: “Nothing’s free in Waterworld.” – The Mariner says this to Helen when she questions his motives, highlighting the harsh reality of their world.
• Deacon: “Progress, my ass! Development, my ass!” – The Deacon shouts this during a manic rant, showcasing his disdain for civilization and his chaotic leadership style.
• Helen: “You’re a human being! You are!” – Helen says this to the Mariner when trying to convince him to care for Enola.
• Deacon: “Gentlemen, start your engines!” – The Deacon shouts this to his ‘Smokers’ before they set out on their jet skis to find Dryland.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $175,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $88,246,220
• Worldwide Gross: $264,218,220

💥 Waterworld Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing Waterworld as a kid and being blown away by the sheer scale of it. The sets, the action, it was unlike anything I’d seen before. Sure, the plot is a bit silly and Costner’s Mariner is pretty stoic, but it’s a fun ride. The attack on the Atoll still stands out, so many stunts and explosions. Revisiting it now, I appreciate the world-building and the practical effects even more. It’s not a cinematic masterpiece, but it’s a guilty pleasure that I still enjoy.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of post-apocalyptic films”
  • “Viewers interested in environmental themes”
  • “Those who enjoy action-adventure movies with unique settings”
  • “Kevin Costner fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and action sequences”
  • “Some disturbing imagery”
  • “Thematic elements involving societal collapse”
  • “Brief partial nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Waterworld is an over-the-top spectacle, impressive in its scope but ultimately lacking in emotional depth. The action sequences are well-executed, but the characters are thin and the plot meanders, leaving the viewer feeling adrift in a sea of explosions.
• The New York Times: “While visually ambitious, Waterworld is ultimately a derivative and uninspired post-apocalyptic adventure. The film suffers from a lack of originality and relies too heavily on familiar tropes, failing to deliver a truly compelling narrative experience.
• Variety: “Waterworld’s massive production value cannot compensate for its thin plot, uneven pacing, and uninspired performances. Despite some impressive action set pieces, the film struggles to maintain audience engagement, resulting in a bloated and ultimately disappointing cinematic experience.

Audience Reactions

The world-building and unique visuals were truly impressive.: Viewers generally appreciate the film’s ambitious scope and the practical effects used to create the waterlogged world.

Dennis Hopper’s over-the-top performance as the Deacon was a highlight.: Many found Hopper’s villainous portrayal entertaining, despite its cartoonish nature.

Overall Consensus: Waterworld is a visually impressive but flawed post-apocalyptic adventure that has garnered a mixed reception over the years.

Awards

1. BMI Film & TV Awards (BMI Film Music Award)- 1996

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s original budget was $100 million, but production costs ballooned to an estimated $175 million due to various setbacks, including the sinking of the Atoll set and damage from hurricanes.”
• “Joss Whedon was brought in to rewrite parts of the script, but he later described the experience as ‘seven weeks of hell’.”
• “An extended TV version of the film was released, adding nearly 40 minutes of deleted scenes that provided more context and explained several plot points that were ambiguous in the theatrical release.”
• “The fan-edited ‘Waterworld: The Ulysses Cut’ was officially sanctioned and released by the distributor, combining footage from various versions to create the most complete version of the movie.”

🖥️ How to Watch Waterworld?

Waterworld is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for broadcast options. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also widely available from retailers like Amazon and Walmart, allowing you to own the film.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Waterworld, you might like these similar films:

• Mad Max: Fury Road (2015): Post-apocalyptic action with a strong visual style and high-octane vehicular combat. A lone wanderer reluctantly helps a group of people escape.
• The Postman (1997): Also starring Kevin Costner in a post-apocalyptic setting, though this time on land. Both films deal with themes of hope and rebuilding society after a collapse.
• Tank Girl (1995): A quirky, post-apocalyptic action film from the same era with a similar dystopian feel and rebellious spirit.
• A Boy and His Dog (1975): Set in a post-apocalyptic landscape, a boy and his telepathic dog scavenge for food and women. The film explores themes of survival, loyalty, and the dark side of human nature in a harsh environment.

🛒 Waterworld Related Products

• Waterworld (4K UHD) [Blu-ray]: Arrow Video Limited Edition Blu-Ray Featuring 3 Cuts of the film, with New 4K scan From the original camera negative.
• Waterworld – Nintendo Virtual Boy: Rare and valuable for collectors of retro gaming, this Virtual Boy game allows you to experience the Waterworld universe in a unique, albeit primitive, virtual reality setting.
• Waterworld Movie Poster (Original): Original theatrical release poster of the movie Waterworld featuring Kevin Costner.
• Waterworld – Official Novelization by Max Allan Collins: Explore Waterworld beyond the movie with Max Allan Collins’s novelization. Dive deeper into the story and world and lore behind the characters.

🎧 Soundtrack

Waterworld features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Escape From the Smokers” – performed by James Newton Howard
• “The Atoll” – performed by James Newton Howard
• “The Revelation” – performed by James Newton Howard

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

This Show at Universal Studios is INSANE! 🔥😱 #shorts

Check out this mind-blowing live stunt show from Waterworld at Universal Studios! Prepare to be amazed by the gravity-defying flips and explosions.

Honest Trailers | Waterworld

Take a fun and sarcastic look back at the movie through the lens of Screen Junkies’ ‘Honest Trailers.’ They dissect the film’s pros and cons with a comedic flair.

Everything GREAT About Waterworld!

Discover why CinemaWins believes Waterworld deserves more appreciation. Join him as he dissects the film’s strengths and makes a case for its hidden gems.

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