A good movie but a little long

Rating: 7/10 (28 February 2005)

This movie has several moments to it - unfortunately it has way too many moments - it goes on forever! Fortunately it's interesting and enjoyable. But I think the length is Alistair MacLean's style. I've read some of his other books and for novels of action they're kind of slow paced. But I admire that in a way. It's almost Stanley Kubrick-ish in that he lets the story develop.
So here are the good points and the really good points. Richard Burton - okay, now who decided to put him in an action movie again? He's more convincing when he's doing the acting or throwing off pithy lines. I think they hired Richard Burton because Clint Eastwood, love him as I do, his acting chops weren't quite developed yet when this film was made. He pretty much runs around shooting people and looking menacing.
The scenes at the fortress are the best. The scenes on the tram are incredible. I've probably seen this movie three times and they still have me on the edge of my seat every single time. Pretty much from the tram scenes to the end is great - definitely the better part of the film.
Also, the music is great - thundering almost - although you hear it over every scene. Yes, it's great but it ain't Mozart - could we have one scene without it? Oh, but getting from the start of the movie to when they're getting up to the top of the meeting. Slow. I mean like getting frozen syrup out of the bottle slow or at least that's how I remember it.
So, over all, a good movie. Watch it on a rainy day. Then if you want to see Richard Burton in a really great movie, watch "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf."