Waterworld (1995)

Waterworld invites the viewer to a story set upon an endless ocean in a distant, dystopian future as a disaster has left humanity adrift on a virtually landless, gray-green desaturated planet and its struggling inhabitants fight over the few remnants of resources left. Kevin Costner stars as the Mariner, a mutant human-like being that has adapted to survival on this wet "Mad Max" sea-scape, having webbed feet, gills and being essentially amphibious. The Mariner's path crosses a spirited woman called Helen and a gifted young girl named Enola with a tattoo on her back that may hold the key to a promised dry land, but a sinister high seas gangster named The Deacon wants to gain the child and conquer such a near-mythical place for himself. The Mariner reluctantly takes the pair aboard his vessel and along on his voyage in this grim, mostly ugly film that tries to buoy the dragging, sinking story-line with odd touches of humor, including awkward dialogue delivered by everyone, including Dennis Hopper as the villain. Over two hours long, mean-spirited and a bit meandering, Waterworld is notable as among the most expensive films attempted, having some imaginative action and set designs, an early role for Tina Majorino, plus spawning home video games, novelization and successful theme park attractions. Waterworld is not for everyone, but it paddles along and may entertain those who wondered what such a place might be like if such a global catastrophe ever happened.