Excelent idea wasted

Rating: 7/10 (18 September 2001)

I usually get a bit annoyed when a movie with a scenario full of potential wastes it.I almost roared from anger when I saw this.It has an interesting character if there ever was any.Castor Troy.At first he is the brother of Pollux.That is a reference to greek myth.Castor was a demigod who's twin brother was mortal.Castor Troy could be a demigod.He is full of charisma.As a terrorist he seems to be the best there is.As a brother he always took care of his geeky bro.He seems to be a lady's man too.It's been ages since I saw a movie character enjoying life so much.When he takes his rivals persona he proves to be a caring husband,saving a doomed marriage,a protective father,who's going to teach his "Daughter"self-defense instead of having to protect her all the time.As an agent nobody,no matter which side of the law,can face him and win.Watching him adjusting to his new role is the best part of this movie.Sean"the Loser"Archer is dull to begin with.My favorite scene him staring is during his stay in the prison.He beats that guy,letting out his frustration(held for how long?)acting as Troy would.His association with Castor's family and friends makes him care a bit for them.His adjustment to his new role is interesting.Each of the two gets to adopt some traits of the other.I was thriled.But then the film turns to a standard adventure film using such ideas such as "a battle of good versus evil"and other such overused stuff.Castor try's to kill his new family,and Sean gets to be a purging avenge angel.I hated it.We are supposed to believe their new experiences haven't changed them a bit.The ending is most disappointing.Talk about leting the viewer down.How could John Woo do this?