Reviews
Desperate Measures (1998)
Less than medium !
It is one of the films that makes you wonder why they did it in the first place. The good cup-bad guy conflict is definitely one of Hollywood's favourite recipe for action films, but this particular one cannot stand anywhere near DIE HARD, or FACE OFF or even DEVILS OWN. The special effects have nothing new, the plot is 100% predictable and the direction is bad. The additional element of Frank Conner (A.Garcia) ill child, although it provided material for drama and strong moments, is drained down in the pipe along with the rest of the film. My suggestion : If you have seen Face Off, avoid this film. A sympathetic 3 out of 10 only for the acting of A.Garcia and M.Keaton.
Coma (1978)
One of the best cover-ups of the 70's.
I rented this movie because it is one of the early works of M.Crichton. I must admit that if this film was released today, it would definitely score high figures in tickets. It is a cover-up thriller about Dr Wheeler (G.Bujold), who after her best friend falls into a coma, discovers similar cases at the Boston hospital where she works. But as her investigation unfolds, she discovers a horrific conspiracy - and finds herself hunted by a killer. Coma has all the ingredients that compose a successful thriller : The plot unfolds step by step with no easy predictions, a very good music score, good cast and an excellent acting by G.Bujold. The scene where the killer hunts Dr Wheeler down in the anatomy room is one of the best scenes I've seen in thrillers. Thriller funs, no blood spreads, boogie-man or hi-tech special effects exist here, but this film is a small jewel in your local video store. A good 7 out of 10.
Rising Sun (1993)
A good police thriller - A different J.Bond
I rented it this movie for two reasons : (a) it was based on a M.Crichton book and (b) Sean Connery was playing. The first reason implied a good plot and the second a solid performance. I was justified on both. I am sure that Crichton had Sean Connery in mind when he was developing the character of LAPD officer John Connor : extremely clever, dressed in Armani suits, excellent golf player, fluent in Japanese, and could kill with his thumb (a different kind of J.Bond!). The direction could have been better (the plot had material for stronger scenes). W.Snipes does not exceed a medium performance but Keitel is excellent. Although the hi-tech gadgets of the Japanese implicated in the film (zoom-in cameras, laser disks etc.) has become today trivial stuff, the Rising Sun is still a good police thriller to watch. I give it a 7 out of 10.
The Patriot (1998)
Bad recipe. Awful film.
You get a good portion of Steven Seagal environmental anxieties, and some breathless mountain views along with cow-boy scenes (or alternatively use parts of any remains of the HORSE WHISPERER). You then add a large piece of OUTBREAK virus or similar (attention it must be more lethal and at least Biohazard Level 4) wrapped around a fat Militia group leader. You add one teaspoon of martial arts, and a zip of explosions and gunfire for the taste. Add the classic red Indian herbs for the extra taste. Serve immediately.
What is the name of the film you get ?: The Patriot. Perhaps the worst film of Steven Seagal. I am sure that Seagal tried to say something in this film except the usual I-am-a-cook (but-also-an-ex-seal) but his recipe was confusing and the taste was awful.