James Bond - The Sequel

Rating: 8/10 (9 November 2014)

The Rock is arguably one of Nicholas Cage's best films and Sean Connery at his absolute best, almost reprising his Bond role. This film is a good action packed watch. Typical of Director Michael Bay, and you can see elements of many of his other films in the camera action ie Bad Boys. The music is typical of Hans/Zimmer (see Speed and Pirates of the Caribbean for similar themes) and packs an exciting punch.
The pace of the film is fast, not mentally taxing but it has stood the test of time and stands up to repeat viewings. For a film that is almost twenty years old (and I've seen it countless times) it just doesn't age and is still completely relevant. The premise is believable and superiorly acted by Ed Harris as General Hummel protesting the deniability of black ops military by the US government when they are killed in action... An issue that could quite possibly come true. It's a protest that the viewer understands and can see that the General is a good man, wanting to do a desperate thing for a sympathetic cause. You immediately take to the General, but see that his self imposed mission is more than what it appears to be, and his men - some of them - are barking mad. The FBI calls on their chemical weapons expert Stanley Goodspeed (Cage) who's a field rookie to go up against some of the best military men in the US. Michael Biehn convincingly plays Commander Anderson - leader of the Seal team on the "good" side but you can see his empathy with the General and his respect of him. Lots of military pomp and hierarchy - a great film for military action fans - and the entire story and execution of it is almost faultless. Acting was believable for the most part - many superb performances - with a few "comic relief" moments. The action is a little OTT sometimes and a car-chase that is pure Hollywood (complete with lorry carrying water bottles) but a joy to watch. Cage brings some of the one liners and comedy with his over-acting funnies, which lightens the mood sometimes when it would otherwise be quite a dark film.
An entirely enjoyable watch, realistically rated 15. Some bad language but it's not unreasonable, and plenty of back-story/human interest surrounding the action and gung-ho machismo. John C McGinley, John Spencer and Vanessa Marcil as good other characters in the story, with a brief appearance from Claire Forlani. Lots of familiar faces, lots of strong characters even in smaller roles and totally engrossing cinema. Excellent action film well worth the watch. Not disappointing at all.