World War II goes under water in U-571, a submarine film that exceeds expectations.

In what could be Matthew McConaughey's comeback film, he and several other men including Harvey Keitel and Bill Paxton, attempt to steal a German U-boat and successfully escape. Of course, for entertainment purposes, things don't go quite as planned.

The dark, gritty, claustrophobic world of WW2 submarines comes alive with immense reality. Through the course of the film, the audience is drawn into the metallic home of the men on screen. We dive with them, we feel the conditions with them, and we sweat with them (but that is because the theater's heating system was messed up). U-571 is one of those films that has to be seen on the big screen with big screen sound, because every time one of those depth charges goes off, it feels like they are going off right next to you. My chair was literally shaking when those explosions hit.

And the reality only added to the suspense. There isn't a moment in this film that is anything but intense. Every second, the submarine is on the verge of being blown apart. From beginning to end, U-571 is real life. Okay, that might be going a little too far - it is a movie after all - but it sure is damn close. During the duration of the film, I was sitting on the edge of my seat, nervous as hell.

There is nothing much to be said about U-571 other than that it is a great movie. Good acting, tons of action, and a realistic environment ensure that U-571 is going to make a big splash at the box office.

Review by Erik Samdahl unless otherwise indicated.