Full tilt but no surprises

Rating: 6/10 (28 March 2008)

Incredibly formulaic thriller from the director of the equally contrived, though not as interesting, "Bad Boys". "The Rock" manages to borrow from many other films of this genre, and though Jonathan Hensleigh's script has taken a slightly different tack - with an obsessive, determined mercenary who isn't all we believe him to be, and a new, hi-tech deadly weapon - the pic really offers little in the way of freshness and originality.
Having said all that, director Michael Bay and his cast do manage to entertain us throughout the movie thanks to some well staged action sequences, great cinematography and special effects, as well as some sprightly thesping. Our director has made the most of the many explosive scenes, and the cast do well, involving the audience in the goings on.
Nicholas Cage is likable as the every man come saviour of the world. Sean Connery isn't asked to stretch his talents a great deal, but one can never help but enjoy his presence. Backing these two up is a solid support cast including the little seen Michael Biehn ("Terminator" and "Aliens"), the ever strong Ed Harris ("Apollo 13") and William Forsythe.
"The Rock" comes recommended to those who enjoy full tilt, adrenalin pumping action without too many surprises.
Saturday, September 7, 1996 - Knox District Centre