A few notes

Rating: Null/10 (16 July 2004)

Hello. Just a couple of points as I have to go out now.
I know this will probably never get read by anyone, but here it goes.
I really enjoyed this film. I read earlier that someone described it as an experience; they felt they could walk around it. I wholeheartedly agree. I haven't felt that since I saw LA Confidential.
I thought Travolta looked ridiculous and acted poorly.
George Clooney might have been better if his part was allowed to develop more. He might well have been there purely to get the audience in, I don't know the actual state of play.
A big name ensemble cast. This was a stroke of genius. By getting experienced, quality actors in to play relatively minor parts, such as Woody Harrelson, John Cusack etc, the film's atmosphere improved immensely. Although this comes from a comedy film, for an illustration of the difference a quality actor can make to a small part, see Wayne's World 2: the scene at the petrol station where Charlton Heston replaces a crappy actor. I mean it. These two actors, Cusack and Harrelson were superb in their roles. It didn;t appear like "Oh my god, its those two. Gosh aren't they great." It was as if we were actually watching and experiencing their lives at this point in time.
The visuals were also stunning. The attack on the hill to get the machine gun bunkers was unbelievably tense, with oppressive greenery everywhere. I felt myself thinking: What;s hidden in there?
Sean Penn. Wow. I keep forgetting what an amazing actor this fellow is. I recommend people see this and Carlito's Way for the proof of this guy's talent.
Overall, what an amazing film.