Der Herrscher des Central Parks

The premise of this movie - a lone ex-soldier unraveling a plan to take over New York's Central Park singlehanded and managing to keep the police at bay over several days - does seem kind of hard to swallow. However, with the way the movie is executed, you'll almost believe it could happen. The movie does have a good amount of merit to it. While it's a mid-'80s Canadian movie, the production values are surprisingly good; this movie obviously had a budget. Tommy Lee Jones gives a fairly commanding performance at the Vietnam vet with a plan, and there are other good performances by Helen Shaver as the curious news reporter, and Yaphet Kotto as a chief police officer (though he's given little to do until near the ending.) Director Steven Hilliard Stern creates some good action sequences and keeps things moving at a rapid rate. Though maybe the movie is a little bit too swift; we hardly learn anything about Jones' character at the beginning, and before the twenty minute mark he's already taken over the park. Some people may be offended that Jones' Vietnam vet character is yet another cinematic Vietnam vet who is a "loser" (unemployed, estranged from his wife, etc.), despite surveys that show that most Vietnam vets in real life are adjusted and happy. But if you can look over this "loser" portrayal, chances are you'll find some enjoyment with this movie.

Tommy Lee Jones does his part to hold this movie together, and that's about the only thing going for it. The plot about one man taking over Central Park (!) is highly improbable, but makes for a good Saturday afternoon action flick. Don't put a lot of thought into this movie, just enjoy it for what it is!

Think of Rambo, but more tone down in the violence and having a political angle focusing on how certain situations / individuals are undeservedly swept under the rug. 'The Park is Mine' is a passable, up-tempo little made-for-TV feature. Even with it's firework shows, expensive set-up and unique setting with , it's still merely low scale where at the heart it's all about the one man standing up for the underprivileged. At times it can manipulate, but manages to be respectable and hardly overwrought. It can be a fascinating tussle between Tommy Lee Jones' character and political big-heads, as what eventuates is a circus-show for the crowds and media. Some actions are a bit unbelievable; however you seem to take it with a grain of slat.

A Vietnam veteran takes over the plans of his now deceased war-time buddy (who committed suicide) who had thought-up an idea to take over Central Park for 72 hours, before Veterans Day. He eventually goes ahead and sets the plan in motion, where he doesn't intend to hurt anyone, but to only grab everyone's attention. However some powerful figures don't like this and try to change the situation (by any dirty means) in their favour, so society don't side with the vet and paint them in the wrong. Also a media reporter also finds herself caught up in it all when she tries to get closer to the action.

His definitely gotta plan. Packed with ammo, a lot of ammo. The material is formulaic, but tactically trimmed to suit Steven Hilliard Stern's tidy direction and sustained tension. I found it to get better the further along it goes, as the tricks and themes turn to the real thing. 'The Tangerine Dream' contributes a bellowing score that overwhelms the joint, but I don't believe to be as bad as a lot seem to make sound. Performances shape up pretty well. Tommy Lee Jones superbly instills a hard, tough shell to his character, but one we can feel and root for too. He's no troublesome, or unstable person, but someone that just wants to make a difference. A wonderfully affable Helen Shaver adds plenty of kick to her role and Yaphet Kotto provides some serious class. Lawrence Dane is picture-perfect as the scummy Commissioner.

I can't imagine Tommy Lee Jones in anything bad... His performance here is solid and believable although a bit hammy at times.... What I like about this movie is the story... With the current state of affairs in the USA at the present time...(2007) It seems very relevant...

Everyone seems to be asleep .. Too preoccupied with their cell phones and Ipods to notice what is going on around them. This movie really grabs you... Too bad this doesn't happen in real life! You still find yourself rooting for the guy who you know is doing wrong but his justification is beyond what is legal.. it's simply the right thing to do! Good supporting cast and Helen Shaver does a good job as the objective reporter. It is an old theme but still a very powerful one and all the key elements are there. Sometimes you have to put your selfish desires aside and find the strength to do what is right even though it may not be popular.

If you like a story with a solid message, decent acting and a few thrills for good measure, I recommend The Park Is Mine!

I saw this on HBO in the mid '80s and I loved it. Tommy Lee Jones was so cool and I had no problem buying the premise. It was kind of like Assault on Precinct 13 or The Warriors in its cartoonish depiction of violence. I remember especially the part where he's in full military garb and grease paint on his face with an arsenal of weapons around his body and he tells a woman to leave the park because its filled with "thugs and perverts and weirdos." Check it out if you can, it won't change your life, but it's good.