Good action movie with a great performance by Ed Harris

Rating: Null/10 (25 February 2000)

The Rock was a sometimes overdone action movie which was nonetheless well made and superbly acted. Connery, as the only man ever to escape, is in fine form here. Cage provides a humanizing portrait of a reluctant action hero. He's excellent, but for his best work in an action movie, check out Face/Off (with a much more complex set of characters). The standout here is Harris' outstanding performance as the conflicted General. Harris gives Hummel a passionate conviction that he is doing the right thing, combined with a genuine desire to resolve things peacefully (witness the confrontation with the Seals where he tries desperately to save his enemies' lives). Because Harris is so good in the role, the movie's ending is a letdown as it shortchanges the fascinating character he has created.