I returned to Alcatraz by watching 1996's The Rock starring Sean Connery and Nicholas Cage.
Directed by Michael Bay (Crimson Tide, Bad Boys, Transformers) and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer (Top Gun, National Treasure, Pirates Of The Caribbean, The Sorcerer's Apprentice) the film is a non-stop thrill ride and the perfect summer blockbuster entertainment. Unlike a roller coaster that slows down near the end of the ride, this film ratchets up the tension and the action until the explosive finale. It is only after it's over that you start asking yourself questions that are better off not being asked.
The film is a superior action film because of the intelligent and witty screenplay, the outstanding performances of Connery, Cage and Ed Harris as a U.S. Marine General who has taken over Alcatraz, with hostages and is threatening San Francisco with VX rockets if the government does not pay up. Unlike more recent films the special effects look realistic and feel as if actual planes, cars, buildings and people are involved, rather than the CGI blue screen effects we get today. None of the actors perform amazing physical feats and Connery and Cage are both bloody and beaten by the time the film ends.
Because the film is so well made I forgive the few implausible aspects and sit back, hold on and enjoy.
At The Movie House rating ***1/2 stars
2 comments:
I'm totally with you on this one!
I very much enjoyed this film the first time that I viewed it, and have watched it a number of other times on DVD and cable TV.
The dynamic between Connery and Cage is a strong one, and the supporting cast is staffed with solid character actors.
The pacing of the film, its look and its music fully support the plot.
A great example of a "popcorn movie".
I am not just playing devil's advocate but I thought this movie was lousy. The reason...the entire story was riduculous and i am not a fan of action films...implausibility and seriousness simply do not mix well...2 stars...add a half if you need to kill 2 hours
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