The Rock

Starring: Sean Connery, Nicholas Cage, Ed Harris, Michael Biehn, William Forsythe, Claire Forlani
Directed by: Michael Bay
Rating: R
Genre: Action
1996

Times Seen:
Tim: 5

Awards:
The Movie Files Movie Championship I: Final Four


Summary: When a group of US military personnel lead by a vengeful general (Ed Harris) takes control of Alcatraz island armed with explosive rockets loaded with deady poisonous gas, San Francisco's only hope is with a chemical wepaons specialist (Nicholas Cage) and an aging US governmental prisoner (Sean Connery). As time begins to run out, either SF's only hope will be able to diffuse the rockets, or all of Alcatraz island must be blown to bits.

Review:

Tim: Nicholas Cage was forced to go up against a pretty formidable co-star in Sean Connery. Even for an Academy Award winner (1995- Best Actor, Leaving Las Vegas), it's no easy task to share so much screen time with a legend, and not look silly and ineffective in comparison. However, Cage somehow not only manages to match wits and acting ability with Connery, but in a number of scenes, actually steals the limelight. This is one hell of an accomplishment.

Before this film, I wasn't sure how I felt about Nicholas Cage. After seeing the job in did in a high octane thrill ride like this- alongside a co-star like Connery, and with Ed Harris making an incredible bad guy, I knew Cage was something special. The Connery-Cage combo is simply amazing. I love every single second these two actors are on screen together. To make matters even better, they are served up some of the most crisp and hilarious dialogue I have heard in a very long time. Although Cage by far gets the best lines and delivers them with unforgettable facial expressions and voice changes, Connery, not be outmatched, delivers a hell of punch and comedy with his own collection of memorable sayings. In a difficult battle, I'd say Cage edges Connery in the dialogue, if for any other reason, for his, "I'd take pleasure in guttin you... boy" mockery of a bad guy.

Besides the perfect casting for the film, The Rock is filled with nonstop action from beginning to end. And, this isn' the mindless fire 'em up action that you've seen a million times. This is rock-em sock-em intelligent action which is simply delightful to watch. You are in for an incredible ride with this film, one you won't soon forget.

I remember one day I watched this film, and at the end, was so excited about seeing it that I put the film right back in the VCR and watched it again. There are very few movies that you can do that with, without so much of a five minute break. From the incredible action on Alcatraz island, to the memorable car chase with Connery in a hummer and Cage in a Ferrari, this film has a special quality to it. You really can't do much better than this film. From action to brilliant acting to amazing dialogue, The Rock succeeds in every way imaginable.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 9



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend:
Apollo 13, Con Air, Bad Boys, Armageddon, Face/Off, Never Say Never Again, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade