Observed Waterworld to gauge its notoriety and here are my thoughts on the film

In the summer of 1995, the cinematic landscape was graced with the release of the dystopian action-adventure Waterworld. Directed by Kevin Reynolds and penned by Peter Rader and David Twohy, the film has since found a new home on streaming platforms.

Set in a future where the Earth is submerged due to the melting polar ice caps, the movie follows the Mariner, a mutant character played by Kevin Costner, who sports webbed feet, gills, and a dislike for normal humans. Costner, known for his roles in Westerns and dramas such as Dances with Wolves, Robin Hood, and The Bodyguard, delivers a performance that, while entertaining, is criticised for being flat and unlikable.

The Mariner is on a quest to find the legendary Dryland, while pursued by the ruthless Deacon, played by Dennis Hopper. Along the way, he encounters Helen (Jeanne Tripplehorn) and Enola (Tina Majorino), who are also being hunted. The trio forms an uneasy alliance, with Enola becoming a central focus as Deacon relentlessly pursues her.

One of the film's intriguing aspects is the presence of a tomato plant on the atoll where Helen and Enola are found. However, the origin of the plant remains a mystery, as does its lack of value considering the scarcity of food in the watery world.

Another enigma is the Mariner's burial of skeletons found on dry land, implying a belief in a burial ritual. Yet, it's unclear how he knows about this practice, as it's been generations since anyone they knew would have been on dry land.

Enola's tattoo, which translates to latitude and longitude coordinates and something involving the magnetic poles of the Earth being inverted, adds to the film's mystique, although the explanation is not easily understood within the context of the movie.

Waterworld garnered $88 million at the box office in the US in 1995, but its critical reception was mixed. The film currently holds a "Rotten" score of 45% from critics and 44% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.

Despite its flaws, the film offers a unique vision of a watery apocalypse and a fun performance by Dennis Hopper. If you're keen to form your own opinion, Waterworld is currently streaming on Peacock in the US, and in the UK, it's available via digital on-demand. Whether you agree or disagree with the critics, it's worth diving into this watery world for an entertaining ride.