Under Siege (1992)

Director: Andrew Davis

Starring: Steven Seagal, Gary Busey, Tommy Lee Jones

An ex-Navy Seal turned cook is the only person who can stop a group of terrorists when they seize control of a U.S. battleship.

‘Under Siege’ might play like ‘Die Hard’ at sea, but this film actually really surprised me. It was darn good!

The plot revolves around a group of ex-military officials and soldiers who hijack a warship in order to sell its cargo (ammunition), and they ain’t showin’ no mercy! The opening scenes were fun and lively, before all hell broke loose. The film then becomes relentless, with lots of action, and a few nasty and brutal scenes as well.

‘Under Siege’ features good performances by a veteran cast. I thought Tommy Lee Jones in particular was very good as the antagonist. In addition, Steven Seagal was good as the protagonist, and makes a credible hero. I must be honest I didn’t like Jordan (Erika Elaniak) at all. She was an annoying character who mostly served as comic relief. Although her character vastly improved over the course of the movie, I still think it would have done better without her. (And do you honestly expect me to believe she fell asleep inside a cake and didn’t here any of the commotion?? They tried to justify it by her taking tablets, but seriously, seasick tablets does NOT make you sleep like that!).

‘Under Siege’ was exciting and will please action fans. I actually thoroughly enjoyed it.

‘Under Siege’ was a box office success, earning $156.5 million on a $35 million budget. It received Oscar nominations for Best Sound and Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing.

Would I watch it again? Yes.