Surely and inevitably a product of its time, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea nonetheless offers an adventure on a scale that very few films of its nature in current times ever consistently manage. Part of that is because it down to its game cast - Kirk Douglas is a revelation as Ned Land, the smooth-talking, suave and energetic Ned Land and James Mason anchors it all with a steely, ambiguously intriguing and menacing performance as Captain Nemo. Part of it is down to its sheer understanding of what makes the genre work with its ever changing scenery and change of pace across settings and visuals. Part of it are the underwater cinematography and meticulous craftsmanship for the realization for the Nautilus itself and its production. Part of it is some of the surprisingly in-depth conversations and dialogue hidden within the screenplay. And a lot of it is in that GIANT SQUID! 

It isn’t perfect by any means. It’s a bit plotless, and runs a bit longer than it needs to be but those aren’t major flaws in the grand scheme of things. The cannibal scene is a topic for another time but more than anything however, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea utilizes it’s strongest assets to overcome its weaker flaws delivering a surprisingly timeless adventure.

It’s a throwback to classical Disney and beyond that, classic filmmaking in general. Whimsical, creative, and not a blatant product of corporate greed. Oh how times have changed…