It's no surprise that I concur.
I hated the 1997 one that they are bringing back. It was geared to teenager.
I've grown to have a grudging acceptance of Cameron's Titanic, if for no other reason than its technical excellence. I also get a kick out of an early scene where one of the research assistants is wearing a Texas T-shirt with "Home" on it. I have to mentally tune out the Rose and Jack plot device (as well as the not-so-subtle class warfare message) to appreciate the other aspects of the film.
This review from the TCM site echoes my thoughts almost precisely:
The most recent Titanic was technically a better film; ie. the sets were historically accurate, the special effects were better,and more was known about the final minutes of the tragedy. However, for the raw feel of what it must have been like that terrible night,and the added story of the California and the Carpathia, this films tells the story much better.
The British cast and the B&W film, doesn't hurt it either. You get many more sides of the story, not only first class, but crew, steerage, and the rescue attempt. A superior Film, not to be missed by any Titanic enthusiast.
Neil Castellon: 9/20/08
It was the Rose and Jack thing that did it for me. I almost walked out it was so ridiculous.
I had seen “A Night to Remember” and read the book so the “Titanic” was a big disappointment.
I just plain don’t like romantic movies. I love espionage,adventures,war movies,and murder mysteries etc.
I tell my grandchildren it is my dark side.