The Siege

Starring: Denzel Washington, Bruce Willis, Annette Bening, Tony Shalhoub
Directed by: Edward Zwick
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
1998

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: After a serious terrorist attack in New York City, an FBI Agent (Denzel Washington) sets out to find the terrorists. However, as fear and panic spreads, a U.S. General (Bruce Willis) is brought in to take control of the situation. The very rights set forth in the U.S. Constitution are at stake as two very different men take two different apporaches to combating terrorism in NYC.

Review:

Tim: I really thought I was going to like this film. The cast alone sold me on it. Denzel Washington verses Bruce Willis? It sounds like a match made in Movie Heaven (where all movies are always available, and there's no late fees). Throw in Annette Bening and Tony Shalhoub in supporting roles, and I'd be convinced this is an instant-classic. Not so- this film is shockingly ineffective, and downright disappointing. Now, compared to all other films, this one isn't terrible. But, compared to what this should have been, this is just disappointing.

By far, the best part of the movie is the cast. Washington makes an excellent FBI Agent (he has the experience playing those roles) and faces an uncertain foe in Bruce Willis, who plays his general role very serious and stoic. These are both Americans fighting for their country, but have different ways of going about it. This pits them against each other. The rest of the cast is good- Annette Bening gives a good performance as a CIA agent, and Tony Shalhoub is great as Washington's partner.

The film brings up some fascinating points about what a major terrorist attack in the United States would do (pre-9/11, of course), and really makes you think about what fear and terror can do to people.

In the end, this film is entertaining, but does not pack the emotional punch that was needed. It isn't a terrible film, but it's simply not effective enough.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6.5



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