It's Woo den

Rating: Null/10 (14 March 2004)

What? a John Woo movie without white doves & motorcycles in slo-mo? What's going on? Since these two images seem to appear in nearly every JW movie as a token nod to subtlety, no wonder this film falls flat. Although the premise of the film is an interesting one, the dialogue and pacing in the quieter scenes lacks subtlety. The patriotic overtones had me half wanting to reach for the sick bag, half wanting to stand up and salute"God bless America!!", ho ho ho.
The action scenes, where Mr Woo usually shines, although well portrayed, are spoiled by some rather dodgy John Wayne GI-Joe type heroicisms. Funny that the character played Nicholas Cage is named Joe. Mr Woo should perhaps go and watch the first half hour of Saving Private Ryan to see how it ought to be done. No, on second thoughts, he should watch all of it. All in all, it all a little too heavy handed.