''The Rift'', also known as ''Endless Descent'', is a 1990 film directed by Juan Piquer Simón and starring

R. Lee Ermey Ronald Lee Ermey (March 24, 1944 – April 15, 2018) was an American actor and U.S. Marine drill instructor. He achieved fame for his role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in the 1987 film '' Full Metal Jacket'', which earned him a Golden Glob ...

. The story involves a submarine rescue that goes awry. It is one of many underwater-themed movies released around 1990, including '' The Abyss'', '' Leviathan'', '' DeepStar Six'', ''

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Synopsis

An experimental submarine, the "Siren II", with an experienced NATO crew is sent to find out what happened to the missing "Siren I". The designer of the sub blames the Contek corporation's modifications to his original design. The Siren II is captained by experienced officer Captain Randolph Phillips. The Siren II traces the Siren I's black box to an underwater rift. They are surrounded by a toxic weed, although an on-board scientist says plant life at this depth is impossible. The Siren II escapes the weed by reversing the polarity of the hull, although some of the weed gets into the sub. Later, they surface in a cave system where they discover that Contek has been engaged in illegal genetic engineering experiments that have produced a variety of mutant creatures.

Cast

* Jack Scalia as Wick Hayes *

as Capt. Randall Phillips *

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as H. Robbins * Deborah Adair as Lt. Nina Crowley * John Toles Bey as Joe "Skeets" Kane *

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as Ana Rivera * Emilio Linder as Philippe Huppert * Tony Isbert as Roger Fleming * Álvaro Labra as Dr. Carlo Camerini * Luis Lorenzo as Francisco Grau * Frank Braña as H. Mueller * Pocholo Martínez-Bordiú as Sven Holst (as J. Martinez Bordiu) *

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as CEO Steensland * Garrick Hagon as Barton (as Garick Hagon) * James Aubrey as Contek 1 * Derrick Vopelka as Contek 2 * Jed Downey as Tony Garner (Man on Tapes)

Reception

''The Rift'' is considered a "B" movie. Reviewers noted the lack of originality in its plot, but praised the film for providing action-packed entertainment on a limited budget. Moria gave the picture one (out of a possible five) stars: "R. Lee Ermey gives a likeable performance, but the script is unfocused; the motives of the conglomerate funding the expedition are unclear; and the climax is unsatisfying." Brandon's Cult Movie Reviews called the film a "decent" one. Creature Feature gave the movie two (out of a possible five) stars, finding it to be "an ineffective ''

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'' knock-off." Den of Geek found the picture to be "entertaining." Movie historian Leonard Maltin declared the film a "BOMB", stating that "...Anybody who sticks around for the climax ought to be decorated for their trouble...As usual,

acts circles around most of his co-stars; but, ultimately, even he cannot sell this bill of goods."

Home Release

The film was released on Region 1 Blu-ray in 2016.

References

External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Rift 1990 films 1990 science fiction films 1990s English-language films English-language Spanish films Films scored by Joel Goldsmith Films directed by Juan Piquer Simon Films shot in Madrid Science fiction submarine films Spanish science fiction films American science fiction films 1990s American films 1990s Spanish films