OK, bear with me here. I just discovered the wonder that is netradio, and I'm having trouble turning it off; Hence, an op on a movie which doesn't take too much analysis.
The Rock is another classic from the stable of Bruckheimer/Bay. Indeed, it was producer Don Simpson's swan song (at least nominally,) and in keeping with Simpson's fast-shiny-drugfuelled-drunk-abuse lifestyle, this is all sepia tinted skies and huge explosions; set pieces are tied together with a slightly stronger than usual plot and a cast whose pedigree is beyond dispute. Locations include the oft-pastiched San Francisco car chase, claustrophic chemical labs and... Alcatraz prison, where the bad guys are holed up, and the final showdown takes place.
In action terms, this is a by-the-numbers high concept picture. Nicholas Cage is the hero, 'chemical superfreak' and the only man who can save the eastern seaboard from a nasty facemelty gas attack. Said attack is the weapon used by Ed Harris in order to extort compensation from the government for leaving soldiers behind enemy lines 'to rot' after the Gulf War. Throw in Sean Connery as the only man who ever escaped Alcatraz (and so the only man who can break in to stop Harris launching his gas, excuse the expression,) and you've got a heavyweight cast who not only look the part in fatigues, but would look cool playing Mother Goose. Remember Michael Biehn, the hero from The Terminator? He's in it too...
As expected, the action sections are breakneck, and with only a little of that pesky dialogue to interupt them, The Rock is well worth a look if you like any of the lead actors, or the production style. Given that Bay recently blew up an entire fleet of aircraft carriers for Pearl Harbour, an American landmark was probably just his way of building up steam. On the other hand, if you're looking for period drama or intelligent discourse, this'll make you want to lock youself on a deserted island-based prison and melt your own face off with toxic green balls.
Don't say I didn't warn you. By the way, any radio station recommendations are invited.
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Jul 11th, 2001
very helpful by (100%):
