There was absolutely no doubt about seeing 'Coral Reef Adventure'. Am a big fan of nature documentaries and coral reefs always look amazing when filmed underwater, and they feature a lot in nature documentaries. And for good reason, as they are interesting to learn about. Also expected a lot considering that it had Liam Neeson narrating, like him a lot as an actor despite a hit and miss filmography (films like 'Schindler's List' and 'Kinsey' show him off better than the action thrillers he's done a lot of.
'Coral Reef Adventure' however could have been a lot more. While it is definitely above average with a lot to recommend, it struck me as uneven. Nothing really is done terribly, though one aspect does bring things down by quite a lot, but the flaws are again uneven. It is not one of the best nature documentaries out there or a milestone, but it is not one of the worst either and it is worth watching if one wants to learn more about coral reefs (other nature documentaries, including them being frequently revisited in David Attenborough documentaries, cover them better though).
A lot great can be seen here in 'Coral Reef Adventure'. The production values are absolutely impeccable all round. This is another fine example of an environment that is exquisite to look at but very harsh with its challenges, photographed vividly and beautifully. The coral reefs look absoluely ravishing up close and a lot is learnt about them and it is stuff that is illuminating rather than repeating already known facts.
Furthermore, the way it is told is touching and doesn't hold back. The narration is delivered beautifully and did find myself relating somewhat to the coral reefs despite them not being animals or humans, it's just something about their situations and adversity that hits a nerve. Did think that the message was admirable and it is a relevant and important issue and still needs to be addressed.
It though could have made its points with a lot more subtlety, as it is rather heavy-handed and also on the one-sided side. All doom and gloom and not much hope, and it does unbalance the film in my view. Was mixed on the music, it's nice on its own but is used too much and doesn't gel stylistically, a gentler tone was needed.
Did think too that there could have been more narration, what there is does inform and doesn't over-explain or become too hip or schmaltzy but not enough stands out and the messaging and music overbear it. Neeson delivers beautifully but again is underused, especially considering his billing. The length feels too short too.
Overall, rather mixed here. 6/10.
