My wife and I saw the movie this past weekend.
As from the trailers and reviews not knowing what to make of it, I still
after seeing it don't know what to make of it.
I would not say it a laugh out loud hilarious kind of movie although there
were a couple people in the theater who did just that sometimes.
It is more like understated silliness and smiles humor with little gags
in a lot of places not always noticed. For example the red hats they wear
all the time, the crew member who is topless much of the time, the electricity always going out, the guy
who constantly plays his guitar everywhere they go and apparently
he is playing Bowie songs translated into portuguese. My wife who is a
big Bowie fan told me that after the movie. Jeff Goldblum and his whole
rich highly financed undersea operation counterpart to Bill is pretty funny.
She said the part Bill played seemed much like the part he played in LIT
because his character is a sad washed up filmmaker/actor/diver etc.
I felt that while one could see this similarity, it's clear he is playing
a different role although indeed he is depressed/sad but not without a spark
of dry (droll?) understated humor.
But the film has quite a few other characters and actors that are great
in their own right that helps move the film along. It's not all candy and
roses though as the film at times takes a dark turn when they have
to deal with pirates.
I kind of view this film as a documentary (Jacquesumentary?! ) of a
documentary but in an oddball sort of way. I love the graphics they use
to create out of this world undersea creatures and landscapes. It's cute.
Also there are always animals of some kind around such as cats on the
ship everywhere and reptiles of all sorts. Including one scene which
my wife who loves animals and cute baby ones just about died when Bill
rescues these little baby seals or something. And then there is the silly
theme music.
One can appreciate it all the more having watched Jacques Couteau a lot
as a kid way back when. Apparently they are releasing a 12 set
DVD of his work in April.
Bill doesn't disappoint me with his comedy, and this looks like its going to be another winning performance for Bill too. 
!
