3 1/2 stars actually. Having seen both this version and the original "Abyss", I must say I like this one a little better, simply because it explains the motives of the aliens. The only drawback is that there is too much character development on the secondary characters. Still, James Cameron does an excellent job of directing the cast. In fact, even with the added footage, this film is better paced than his other water-epic, "Titanic". Heavy on plot and character, light on special effects, this is an example of what a good science-fiction film should be.