In 1996, Michael Bay directed the box office smash hit "The Rock", starring Nicholas Cage, Sean Connery and Ed Harris. Although quite a old film, I once again saw this film last week, and I cant seem to get bored of it. Michael Bay is a brilliant director, his story telling, action sequences and special effects always make a film watchable.
The Plot:
The film revolves around a group of rogue marines, who fed up with the American governments support for war veterans, decide to plot revenge on their own government. Led by Francis X. Hummel (Ed Harris), the marines steal VX nerve gas from a military base. They then find themselves taking hostages at Alcatraz Island, were guided tours are now present. The marines take control of the island, planting the VX nerve gas al over the island ready to launch if needed. Now knowing the trouble the government are in, they need someone to help them break into
Alcatraz, and they can only think of one man, John Patrick Mason, a ex SAS soldier who was the only successful prisoner to escape Alcatraz. Along with Mason, the FBI needs the help of Stanley Goodspeed, an expert on chemical weapons. The two new recruits, along with the special unit of marines, must go into Alcatraz Island, save the hostages, and disarm the VX nerve gas before it is let loose on the people of Alcatraz.
Characters:
Sean Connery as SAS Capt. John Patrick Mason (ret)
Sean Connery plays the lead role in this action film, his character is a retired SAS soldier, who was captured by the Americans and sent to Alcatraz prison, for allegedly being a spy. He is the only person who has escaped the island, and now the FBI needs his help to get in and out safely. Mason is a angry character, he's been locked up for such a long time, and he now finds it so ironic that the government needs his help. His main goal is now to see the daughter he never knew, however his past and his present obligations will never set him free.
Cage also takes a lead role in the film; he is a FBI agent who specialises in disarming toxic weapons. His field expertise means, the FBI must take him along to the island, so they can locate the VX gas and disarm it. Stanley's character is quite laid back; he's got a beautiful girlfriend and finds life to be funny, usually shown through the use of mild comedy. However, things soon change when he must team up with Mason.
Ed Harris plays the villain in the film, as Hummel, the leader of the rogue marines, who is out to seek justice for all the fallen soldiers. Harris is so convincing as a villain, and we have seen this time and time again. His look, and evil smile, makes him the perfect villain. However, one must at the same time feel sorry and compassionate towards Harris.
My Thoughts:
I loved the Rock, as it had everything one would expect from a action film, its fast paced, has a great story, a great cast, and a solid structure. The film is actually quite good in terms of plot, its not too politically motivated, its just got the relevance here and their, whilst focusing more on the action and drama. The action scenes are intense and it flows well with the film. The character performances are also very good, I never though I would see Sean and Cage in a film together and their chemistry in the film was quite good, it was almost like Sean was the dad and Cage the son. Ed Harris was perfect as the villain yet I found myself feeling so sorry for the character, let down my his country and doing something which he felt was right, which I thought was right, however he felt he had no choice but to do what he was doing, his intentions were never to harm anyone. The film has its share of violence, and death, but it's a 15 so this can be expected. I was actually quite impressed by how they showed the effects of the VX gas, watching the persons face melt, was very realistic.
The film was shot in San Francisco, with the majority of the film being set on Alcatraz Island. I thought they used the island and its surroundings very well, with small plots of the story being around San Francisco.
All in all, if you have not seen this film, watch it, it's a great Friday night movie, with the friends or by yourself.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
Advantages: Sean Connery, Good storyline, Superb acting Disadvantages: None that I could think of. (Perhaps Sean Connery's performance made me ignore any cons?)
Rebeccs 23.05.2005 (23.05.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of The Rock (DVD)
Advantages: Sean Connery, Good storyline, Superb acting Disadvantages: None that I could think of. (Perhaps Sean Connery's performance made me ignore any cons?)
Rebeccs 23.05.2005 (23.05.2005)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of The Rock (DVD)
very helpful by (94%):
helpful by (6%):
