Rating: ★★★★½ stars
Verdict: "Crimson Tide" is so close to a perfect movie. It tackles deep, complex questions while still managing to be a propulsive and gripping thriller. It also features two movie stars throwing their weight around while never overshadowing each other. If it wasn't for one plot point that doesn't sit right with me, I'd give it five stars without question.
Where to watch: Buy or rent "Philadelphia" digitally from Amazon now
When they say "They don't make movies like this anymore," they're talking about "Crimson Tide." Which is all the more surprising because there's no reason a movie like this couldn't be made today. Starring Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman, this action thriller doesn't reinvent the wheel. But it expertly balances dealing with weighty themes — namely, nuclear war — while still being a propulsive war movie clocking in at under two hours.
