Where to watch Maiden Voyage: Ocean Hijack
2 Stars
A security operative battles hijackers on a cruise ship.
If you’ve ever imagined “Speed 2” recast with Casper Van Dien, then “Maiden Voyage” is the film for you. The story also draws influences from “Under Siege” and “Air Force One.” It’s hard to criticize a movie that sets modest goals and successfully delivers on them, and “Maiden Voyage” accomplishes just that. Van Dien, looking fit and agile in his fight scenes, displays his charisma. This film serves as a reminder that Hollywood had an action star on their hands in the late ’90s— when major stars were struggling at the box office—and they wasted that opportunity.
After the one-hour mark, Maiden Voyage begins to run out of ideas. Only so many obstacles can be imagined when confined to a sea vessel. A major flub that ruins the illusion is that the cruise ship is never in motion. The shooting location was a docked boat that appears to be half the size in some shots, with stock footage inserted. Back in 1990, USA Network had a late-night program hosted by Gilbert Gottfried; Maiden Voyage would have been ideal for that presentation. There is nothing spectacular or memorable, outside of the supporting characters Aussie accents, about Maiden Voyage.
Directed by: Colin Budds
Written by: Jim Makichuk, Ron McGee
Starring: Casper Van Dien, Danielle Cormack, Christopher Stollery