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Octopus is an American low-budget action-horror movie directed by John Eyres, which premiered in the year 2000. It combines elements of creature features, military action, and espionage, creating a nautical nightmare for its characters. The film's setting is drenched in the suspense of Cold War espionage but incorporates a monstrous twist, which takes a deep dive into the realm of sea-based horror.

The story is set during the tense period of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, where the world is on the brink of a nuclear confrontation. The movie follows the courageous yet untested CIA operative Roy Turner, portrayed by Jay Harrington. Turner finds himself on a high-stakes mission that demands not only his sharp wits but also his ability to withstand unexpected challenges.

Roy Turner, in his pursuit of a dangerous international mission, secures a piece of high-tech spy equipment from a fleeing Russian subversive. After a successful but close call, the plot moves forward as Turner must transport the sensitive device back to the U.S. For this purpose, he's placed on a submarine, the U.S.S. Roosevelt, setting the stage for a claustrophobic sequence of events beneath the surface of the ocean.

The tension aboard the submarine is palpable, not only because of the existing geopolitical situation but also due to the secret cargo now hidden within its steel walls. David Beecroft stars as Captain Jack Shaw, the submarine's commander, who demonstrates leadership and nerve in the face of uncharted dangers.

Things take an unexpected turn when the submarine picks up a pair of survivors from a shipwreck. These survivors, one of whom is played by Ravil Isyanov, bring with them an astonishing secret that escalates the peril aboard the vessel. It is found, rather inconveniently, that they've also attracted the attention of a fearsome adversary from the deep.

This antagonist is no ordinary threat; it's a giant octopus, and not just any octopus, but a behemoth from the oceanic depths with an insatiable hunger for destruction. The octopus, depicted with the CGI and practical effects common at the time, presents a looming terror that Roy and the crew must face.

Carolyn Lowery lends her talents to the film as the submarine's medical officer, Dr. Lisa Finch. Serving as both a competent member of the team and a potential love interest, she plays a critical role in both the health and morale of the crew as they struggle with the relentless attacks of the octopus.

As the narrative progresses, the enclosed environment of the submarine adds to the overall feeling of claustrophobia, combined with the ocean's abyssal depths lurking just outside the metal hull of the vessel. The crew must employ their diverse skills to outsmart and survive as they deal with sabotage, espionage, and the monstrous threat from beneath.

The film highlights the personal dynamics and friction among the crew members, juxtaposed against the otherworldly struggle for survival they're engaged in. Roy Turner's wit and adaptiveness are tested to their limits as he leads the crew against a seemingly unstoppable force. The unfolding events demonstrate how unprepared humans can be when confronting the mysteries and dangers of our oceans.

Octopus also grapples with the concept of man versus nature, portraying the octopus as a terrifying force of the natural world. It begs the question of what lies in the unexplored parts of the ocean and captures the fear of the unknown, a theme that has been the backbone of many monster movies.

The film, as can be expected from an early 2000s creature feature, utilizes a mix of rudimentary CGI and practical effects to bring the sea monster to life. Creature effects in such films have a certain nostalgic charm, albeit limited by the technology and budgets of their time. This gives Octopus a unique place in the genre for fans who appreciate the character and creativity of such productions.

Octopus can be seen as an homage to earlier B-movie horror titles and maritime thrillers, combining a series of genre tropes with a largely practical set-up. Though it might not boast the highest production values or the deepest of character developments, the film provides straightforward entertainment for those who revel in the monster movie genre.

In summary, Octopus is a creature feature that combines the suspense of Cold War espionage with the thrill of battling a sea monster in the claustrophobic confines of a submarine. It's a ride through tension, tentative alliances, and the perennial battle for survival against the horrors of the deep.

Octopus is a 2000 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.0.