UNCUT REACTION - The Hunt for Red October (1990)
Added 2024-05-16 15:32:32 +0000 UTCThe reaction begins shortly after the 19:00 mark of the stream.
Warning for those who didn’t watch this live with us.. this movie never hooked us in unfortunately. It’s a rough reaction. If this is a favorite of yours, apologies that this may not be what you’re looking for in a reaction to this movie.
Being honest and genuine when we react is our number one priority. The style isn’t for everyone, but it’s why we started this channel (one of the early channel name ideas was Real Reactions).
We wanted this to be a celebratory fun live stream. If we ever had motivation to “fake” a positive reaction it would’ve been this, so I hope this can at least show that when we are positive and praise something, we are never bullshitting.
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Comments
Very, very late to the party. I have to start with a confession: I voted for this film in 5th place in the poll that month, thus presumably contributing to its victory, and I did in fact vote for it specifically because of the 10-second Gates McFadden cameo. Sorry, guys. Although I knew a lot about the film and had read Tom Clancy's book several years ago, I saw this movie for the first time over the past few days while it's been available free on YouTube. I like it a lot, and I was constantly wondering during it why the two of you hadn't liked it, although I could see some of the possible reasons. Because relations between Russia and the U.S. had thawed when this film was released in 1990 (they later refroze, becoming as unpleasant as anything else that thaws and refreezes), the opening text setting the film in 1984 was necessary to explain to the audience why the story made sense. Sean Connery, who was cast at the last minute after Klaus Maria Brandauer dropped out two weeks before filming, nearly turned the role down because the script he received lacked the opening explanation of the timeframe. Connery originally insisted on playing Ramius with a ponytail, which was dropped after two days of shooting due to cast and crew ridicule, necessitating a reshoot of a major scene. Other Sean Connery movies I've seen that I can remember at the moment are "Darby O'Gill and the Little People," "Dr. No," "From Russia with Love," "Marnie," "Thunderball," "You Only Live Twice" (my favorite Bond movie), and "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen," which was so bad that it precipitated Connery's retirement. He was the first choice for Sybok in Star Trek V but was unavailable due to the schedule for "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade"; however, the planet Sha Ka Ree was named after him. As many times as I've seen "Jurassic Park," you guys recognized Sam Neill in this part much faster than I did (in fact, the moment he appeared on screen). Reportedly, neither of this film's stars, Connery and Baldwin, were/are particularly nice people in real life, but they were/are tremendously talented. Just look at the scene where Ramius pauses outside his cabin before going in, knowing he's going to commit murder before coming out again. That, my friends, is acting! From my comment on your reaction to TNG: "The Child": "After her departure from TNG, McFadden appeared in a film I will not identify because it was a recent suggestion for a future Audience Cut reaction. Although McFadden’s role was extremely small, the film was the first of a series, and McFadden anticipated that her character would have more screen time in subsequent films. Unfortunately, when producers recast the lead role of the series for the second film, they decided to recast McFadden’s character as well." I was, of course, referring to "The Hunt for Red October." Harrison Ford was the second choice for the role of Jack Ryan in this film (Kevin Costner was the first), and the producers edged out Baldwin in favor of Ford for the sequel, "Patriot Games," casting Anne Archer as Cathy Ryan, with Bridget Moynahan, Keira Knightley and Abbie Cornish taking over in later film and TV productions. Oddly enough, according to IMDb Marina Sirtis was also considered for the role of Ryan's wife in this film. (Yes, she also acts outside Star Trek. ;-) ) Costner turned "Red October" down in order to make "Dances with Wolves"; he would play a different role in one of the later Jack Ryan movies. According to IMDb, Jeff Bridges, Richard Gere, Mel Gibson, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, Christopher Lambert, Stephen Lang, Michael Nouri, Kurt Russell, Bill Paxton, Ron Perlman, Sylvester Stallone, Patrick Swayze, John Travolta and Bruce Willis were also considered for the role of Jack Ryan. The influence of Bruce Willis' characterization of John McClane in "Die Hard" (also directed by John McTiernan) is clearly visible when Ryan talks to himself about how he doesn't react well to bullets near the film's climax. In a film that spectacularly fails the Bechdel Test, Ryan's wife and daughter and the flight attendant, all of whom appear only in the first few minutes of the movie, have the only credited female speaking roles. Admiral Greer was not African American in Clancy's novel, but the late, great James Earl Jones' performance established the tradition that he would be played by Black actors on screen, with Wendell Pierce assuming the role in the Prime Video "Jack Ryan" series. Aboard the USS Dallas, Courtney B. Vance (Jonesy) would later co-star in "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" from 2001 to 2008; he also played the jury foreman in a 1997 TV remake of "12 Angry Men." He has been married since 1997 to Angela Bassett (Rachel Constantine in "Contact"). Scott Glenn (Captain Bart Mancuso) was one of the many potential candidates for the role of Jean-Luc Picard in 1987. The Chief of the Boat, the annoying guy who keeps sticking his head in the door and talking to Jonesy and his trainee, is played by Larry Ferguson, the film's co-screenwriter. The word "Armageddon" is the same in both Russian and English, which is why the film uses the moment when Putin, the political officer, says it to switch over from subtitled Russian to "translation convention" English. (And yes, believe it or not, the character's name is "Putin".) More to come if I feel like it? ;-)
Anthony Bernacchi
2025-01-08 15:10:56 +0000 UTCyou guys have referenced this infamous reaction in other videos and i kind of briefly went through and check out bits of this reaction. I'm actually in complete agreement. i saw this in the theater and fell asleep 30 minutes in. ive tired to go back and watch this one and never made it to the 1 hour mark. kudos to you guys for reaching the end. i just don't get it with this movie.
penoyer79
2024-12-10 03:09:38 +0000 UTCLate to the party. I wish y'all had liked this, and I thought you would, which is why I voted for it. But you didn't. And that's okay. I want you to like what I like and dislike what I dislike but it's far more important that you like what you like and dislike what you like. I really appreciate your truth telling. There are Star Trek episodes I like that you dislike (none I actively love that you have hated; closest was probably Wrath of Khan which I consider the second best of all Star Trek movies....) I digress. I really appreciate that you guys are willing to not like something that goes on your channel. It means that when you DO like something, I can trust that you geniunely, actually like something. You're not just smiling and praising whatever you see without any REAL feelings one way or the other. So keep it up. We may not always agree, but I know that your feelings are always genuine.
John
2024-06-11 07:40:45 +0000 UTCI loved or really loved this movie. I "sort of" remember watching Crimson Tide, but I remember NOTHING about it. At some point I recognized that Gene Hackman often just always played the racist bad guy sort, and I think I got bored with that character. I remember watching the submarine movie K-19: The Widowmaker with Harrison Ford and being completed bored, although I usually like most Harrison Ford movies. The Hunt for Red October movie seemed very unique when it came out. Submarine movies and Cold War movies, other than James Bond movies, were not popular at the time. The movie seemed to have a big budget at the time and the cooperation of the US Navy which made the movie look more realistic. I think the movie really influenced video games too. I remember that you two were not fond of the TOS episode "A Balance of Terror" which is essentially just a submarine movie in space -- or that is what I have always been told. I liked "A Balance of Terror" more than you two did but not as much as the folks who rate it as one of the best 5 or 10 Star Trek episode perhaps ever. If you look up the phrase "balance of terror" on wikipedia, it says, "The phrase...is usually...used in reference to the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. John F. Kennedy used the phrase in his 1961 inaugural address in which he described the United States and the Soviet Union were 'both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind's final war.'"
Chtphr Rrr
2024-05-26 18:50:27 +0000 UTCYeah, I ended fast forwarding the reaction to avoid getting annoyed, but that's okay. I love this film but others may not. My biggest complaint was the buzzing noise in the background.
Linda Thackeray
2024-05-19 03:21:43 +0000 UTCI think there is a clear generational thing going on here. They are from a generation that is far more interested in characters over story/plot. And they did not live through the cold war with the associated fears and pre internet era and geopolitical realities. Basically the movie IS the plot and thats the powerful successful aspect that draws people in….especially if you lived in that time. It’s basically watching what could have happened in real life and had potential consequences of end of the world. Character development is not important…beyond believability and realism.
Derek Orr
2024-05-17 14:34:35 +0000 UTCCrimsiom tide showed naval officers behaving like squabbling children and behaving absolutely unprofessionally …its quite an insult actually. Hunt is a thriller that certainly takes some liberties, but ultimately thills and tells a wonderful yarn and shows characters acting like adults
Derek Orr
2024-05-17 14:29:34 +0000 UTCI doubt McFadden would have been able to reprise her role in the subsequent films regardless of Baldwin returning to the fold or Ford taking over the role due to the actress rejoining TNG. Her commitment to that series would have prevented her from participating in the follow up films. It is possible that she could have continued in this franchise if Baldwin had come back, and she chose NOT to return to TNG.
William McRae
2024-05-17 01:57:57 +0000 UTCI really enjoy this movie, but I wouldn't ever want you to fake your reaction because I like hearing what you have to think. I'm probably going to be yelling at my screen disagreeing with you a few times as I watch the review, but I'm still looking forward to your reaction!
Joshua Taylor
2024-05-16 21:29:27 +0000 UTCIf you want a movie that is more character driven you need to watch Patriot Games
John Carpenter
2024-05-16 20:20:01 +0000 UTCThe mirror shot in that film still blows my mind to this day.
Ca$hWednesday
2024-05-16 19:41:22 +0000 UTCSorry to hear you guys didn't click with this one. The Hunt for Red October is one of my favourite movies of all time and I genuinely wish everyone was as enthusiastic on it as I am. I appreciate the honesty in your reactions, I'd much rather you guys be genuine and give us your true thoughts rather than try to fake a positive reaction. P.S. Youre not allowed to not like Tombstone. #JusticeForTombstone.
Ca$hWednesday
2024-05-16 19:40:00 +0000 UTC"Admiral Greer, somebody handed a loaded pistol to Alec Baldwin!" Greer: "Mother of God"
Gaius Frakking Baltar
2024-05-16 19:23:06 +0000 UTCNo. You are wrong on all points.
Darin Wagner
2024-05-16 18:01:17 +0000 UTC"Some thingsh in here don't react well to bulletsh" "Yeah, like me, I don't react well to bullets!" ....I'll say, Alec!
JGoss
2024-05-16 17:50:22 +0000 UTCWouldn't Crimson Tide be the Top Gun of submarine movies? Same producers and director, after all.
JGoss
2024-05-16 17:47:25 +0000 UTCI skipped ahead to the Gates cameo reaction. Was not disappointed.
JGoss
2024-05-16 17:45:57 +0000 UTCThis movie reaction makes me think Contact would have been the better choice. And yes, I will keep pushing for it until it wins just because it is one of my all time favorites.
Brian Moore
2024-05-16 17:15:25 +0000 UTCWrath of Khan being a pseudo-submarine movie, also not Josh's or Alex's favorite. Interesting.
Nolan
2024-05-16 17:10:52 +0000 UTCI agree though, that sucks when people do that. If you don't want to watch, leave.
Joe Concepts
2024-05-16 17:07:26 +0000 UTCFull screen brightness in a theater is never ok 👎🏻 Appreciate the reference though
Josh (Target Audience)
2024-05-16 17:06:13 +0000 UTCIt's possible that guy at Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes thought it was a well made film, but he just couldn't get into it...
Joe Concepts
2024-05-16 17:00:01 +0000 UTC@Jarsia (who I believe is Patron Timothy N.) left an excellent comment on the YouTube video that I believe explains our differing opinions on this vs Crimson Tide really well. I highly recommend reading it, but the main point is we instantly cared about the characters in CT, while here after over an hour we cared about no one. I think that’s our number one thing in most cases. Not always. I don’t care about anyone in the film ‘Under the Skin’ for example, but that movie is so unique and bananas that it overcomes that imo. Alex still doesn’t like that movie either. Nothing in this film overcame that for either of us. That’s probably as simple an explanation as there can be.
Josh (Target Audience)
2024-05-16 16:55:35 +0000 UTCAlec Baldwin's greed wrecked it and both roles got recast
Kosh Naranek
2024-05-16 16:48:07 +0000 UTCHaven't even watched and I'm already clutching my pearls...LOL
Kosh Naranek
2024-05-16 16:46:37 +0000 UTCThey did not hold back, but we weren’t looking at chat while watching so it didn’t affect our reaction.
Josh (Target Audience)
2024-05-16 16:41:07 +0000 UTCSorry you guys couldn't get into this story. There could be a combination of many reasons for this, including generation... those of us who lived during the Cold War are going to look at this differently than those who have not. One of the things I like about this channel is that I can never really predict how TA will react. It keeps me coming back.
Darin Wagner
2024-05-16 16:36:07 +0000 UTCFrom my comment on your reaction to Star Trek: The Next Generation S2:E1 "The Child": "After her departure from TNG, McFadden appeared in a film I will not identify because it was a recent suggestion for a future Audience Cut reaction. Although McFadden’s role was extremely small, the film was the first of a series, and McFadden anticipated that her character would have more screen time in subsequent films. Unfortunately, when producers recast the lead role of the series for the second film, they decided to recast McFadden’s character as well." "Patriot Games" (1992) and "Clear and Present Danger" (1994) starred Harrison Ford and Anne Archer as Jack and Cathy Ryan but retained James Earl Jones as Admiral Greer. All three later screen productions with the Jack Ryan character were reboots in which he was younger and less experienced than in "Red October," with Ben Affleck and Bridget Moynihan in "The Sum of All Fears" (2002), Chris Pine and Keira Knightley in "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" (2014), and John Krasinski and Abbie Cornish in the Prime Video "Jack Ryan" series (2018-2023, with Wendell Pierce as Greer).
Anthony Bernacchi
2024-05-16 16:15:00 +0000 UTCThis is the "Top Gun" of submarine films and a big reason why I joined the submarine service. I wanted to be Jonesy.
Darin Wagner
2024-05-16 16:07:32 +0000 UTCI loved this movie and I still love this movie. It's the epitome of the competence porn genre. Dry? yes. Technical? yes. However, tastes are subjective and it's cool you guys didn't get into it. It's cool. really. No. I am not crying, shut up.
Matthew Riley
2024-05-16 15:51:00 +0000 UTCI couldn't watch the whole live stream, but I hope the fans of this one weren't too mean. Some people get offended and start insulting reacters, which is ridiculous of course. I personally was bored watching Dune and have no interest in the sequel. Because I'm dumb, apparently.
Joe Concepts
2024-05-16 15:49:42 +0000 UTCI liked the movie a lot more in my youth, but watching now it seemed kind of stale.
OmniRaider
2024-05-16 15:47:28 +0000 UTCNo Cold War movies, noted
Evan Guthrie
2024-05-16 15:44:46 +0000 UTCYep, you gotta be honest! I was surprised you guys weren't into it. I have seen 2 or 3 other reactions to the movie and they all liked it. I don't think those viewers were older or anything, but maybe in some cases the Cold War era just doesn't grab some people if they didn't live through it? That's all I can figure. It's one of my favorites but I was a kid in the '80s when we were still worried about the Soviet Union starting a war. I voted because it's a favorite of mine. And I swear I forgot Gates was in it! :)
Joe Concepts
2024-05-16 15:44:40 +0000 UTCIn case you guys were wondering - Gates McFadden filmed this during her time away from TNG which was in its second season. The actress was also working in New York doing theatre productions as well.
William McRae
2024-05-16 15:42:32 +0000 UTC>We wanted this to be a celebratory fun live stream. If we ever had motivation to “fake” a positive reaction it would’ve been this, so I hope this can at least show that when we are positive and praise something, we are never bullshitting. that's what we're here for
Captain Proton
2024-05-16 15:39:32 +0000 UTC
