Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Engrossing undersea expedition is kid friendly.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
DEEPSEA CHALLENGE 3D
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
The deepest point of the Mariana Trench lies nearly seven miles below the surface of the Pacific Ocean, yet its mystery feels bottomless. In this documentary, director James Cameron invites viewers to join him as he explores its depths. It also allows them a peek into the childhood that shaped the award-winning filmmaker and goes behind the scenes in the months and weeks leading up to the -- yes -- deepsea challenge he's spent years pursuing.
Is It Any Good?
In a mostly chronological, fairly straightforward style, Cameron weaves an engrossing, relatable story about the yearning to explore and the passions that shape us. As a subject, Cameron lays himself bare, explaining why he's so driven to go underwater and allowing cameras to catch him when he hears bad news about two beloved colleagues.
What makes DEEPSEA CHALLENGE 3D truly engrossing, if a tad overlong, is the journey itself. The months leading up to the dive are far from flawless, but with every setback, the audience becomes more committed to seeing it through, mirroring what Cameron and his crew must have felt. It's a neat trick; the footage underwater is otherworldly and lovely, but not always exciting. (No deepsea monsters that would show up in the filmmaker's fictional films, for instance.) Not that it matters: It's the story of Cameron and his supporters that compels the most.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what drives Cameron to set such lofty goals. What are the pitfalls and challenges of a private individual taking on a project like this?
Who's the star of DEEPSEA CHALLENGE 3D -- Cameron or the submersible/expedition? Do you think this movie would have gotten made without Cameron's participation?
What is it about the ocean that makes it so mysterious? Do you find the sea alluring?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 8, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : November 11, 2014
- Director : James Cameron
- Studio : National Geographic
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : STEM
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and brief disaster images
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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