IF it's action you want you will like this...but don't take it too seriously

Rating: 8/10 (22 December 1999)

Upon first viewing GI Jane is an enjoyable action flick, providing you don't take it too seriously. The problem with the movie is that I got the impression there were some serious issues that were being preached throughout through Moore's character and the stereotypical male co-stars. Equality in the military, women are as good as men, women lead saves the day, take women seriously in combat etc.
If you think about those aspects too much, you tend to see the stereotypical characters and the movie loses its appeal.
Demi Moore plays Lt Jordan O'Neil who seems to have a mix of qualities ranging from Ripley (aliens), Mayo (Officer and a gentlemen and MAverick (Top Gun). Moore is physically attractive but also has bulked up for this role. Her acting is not really pushed here, however she does malke a passable Navy Seal.
I liked Viggo Mortensen who plays the role of Master Chief John Urgayle. He is the consumate prick of a master sergeant, just like the really can be. He pushes O'Neil all the way whilst really having a growing inner respect and liking for her. Unfortunatley the ending of the movie spoils the relationship that had been built until then. It was too "warm and fuzzy" and became the "women proves she can handle it and gets respect of superior" finish that was inevitable.
Anne Bancroft as Sen Lillia De Haven is also good. The manipulative politician uses O'Neil for political gain and sells out as quickly as she bought in. Again the disappointment in the movie came in the "win" O'Neil gets from De Haven ( I won't spoil the plot other than to say for such a tough Senator she caved in like a deck of cards)
The other main character is O'Neils love interest Royce (played by Jason Beghe who I last saw in Cab to Canada). Another stereotypical male who doubts at first, becomes a convert and then supports O'Neil all the way. I like Beghe's acting and am sure that he will have a few more semi-leading roles in the near future.
Overall the movie was entertaining and worth watching. I caution you not to read too much into the messages that the movie delivers. To do that would require you to take the whole movie too seriously and it quite simply isn't strong enough dramatically for this to work. As an action flick, thumbs up.