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'Phantom': Old Guys delight -- Cold war, Russian subs, and crazed patriots . . .

108.81.116.219

Those were the days when East faced West presuming each other had just launched a first strike. This underwater drama is a supposition based on a missing Russian sub found at the bottom of the Pacific in 1968. The able crew, commanded by Harris and Fichtner, have been ordered to take a diesel burner out on one last mission loaded with its one nucleah missile and a special cloaking device to be tested against American anti-sub technology. Problem is a rabid, paranoid KGB dooms-dayer is aboard in the form of Duchovny and he is intent on war between the USA and China.

This isn't the new, Cold War "Das Boot" but it is better than earlier Russian sub movies by way of production (low level lighting, realism), dialog, and weight of performances (no affected accents here). Not a bad way for an old guy to pass some time.

What surprises me is the limited target market for this film. Cold War submarines are not the stuff of 3-D, college kids, or a hanky clasping ladies in tow. It would seem it would be straight to disk with the exception of the cast.

One point well taken: A sub is a poor choice for a gun fight.

Follow Ups:

RE: A sub is a poor choice for a gun fight. - David S. 14:58:37 03/05/13 (0)
As an ex-Submariner, I'd disagree with that statement.

For security violation or repel boarders drills, the crew on the boats I served were issued 1911 .45s or Mossberg 12ga shotguns. Sure, we tended to leave the M14s (or M16s on my last boat) in the locker - mostly because long guns wouldn't be needed in relatively close quarters.

So... if you're on the crew? The sub is a GREAT place for a gun fight - you know the best places for cover & concealment. In many/most areas, the likelihood of a poorly placed shot causing much danger to the ship itself isn't that great.
Tough to find scenery on a sub, what did Harris chew? nt - tinear 07:48:59 03/03/13 (4)
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- He was dueling with Duchovny. * - mr grits 08:49:15 03/03/13 (3)
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  - Is that a variety of anchovy? nt - tinear 20:17:52 03/03/13 (2)
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    - Anarchovy . . . * - mr grits 15:20:14 03/04/13 (1)
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      - "I'll have it on a sub w/mayo and pickles." ntsd - tinear 07:35:19 03/05/13 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Anarchovy . . . * posted by mr grits on March 04, 2013 at 15:20:14
        
        d

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