herlenwein

This is truly one of the all time great films. A motion picture that has created controversy and as much publicity as anyone would credibly wish. It has a web-site selling "Jesus Nails". It has netted millions beyond Mr. Gibson's wildest dreams. And yet on this very day, when the DVD was released for public consumption it has become a hypocrisy to the very elements it tried to embelish. The audience who paid at the box office is now expecting to see; Commentary, Documentary, Behind The Scenes, Historical Perspective, Etc. Where are the "Special Features" that are required? Perhaps the "moneymongers" in the temple which the "BIG GUY" taught a lesson to is a bit appropriate here. Mr. Gibson, you may have a "4 STAR" film but you get "0" stars for saying THANKS.

This is a great action/thriller that should not be missed. Hackman is an absolute gem as a modern day "dad" confronted with his past. The storyline and dialogue are fast crisp and move along at an ever increasing pace. There's no need to think. Just watch and let the film grip you and take you on a thrill ride into the Cold War and how one man can affect the present with the talents of his past. A great supporting cast and excellent "mood" photography. Gayle Hunnicutt is beautiful and Matt Dillon so convincing you sometimes want to smack him. Gene Hackman is one one our most versatile and distinguished actors and if you want to see him do his thing; here it is. Enjoy and congrats to Arthur Penn for brilliant direction.

The best way to judge this film is if you have not seen the original classic. See this first then the John Frankenheimer version and come to your own conclusion. I saw the original and Mr. Demme does not come close. A contemporary setting with fine lead actors. And nothing else. The storyline is confusing, the photography distracting with a multitude of continual closeups, and a supporting cast that in reality seems mis-cast. The elimination or re-structuring of key scenes was totally amateurish and unoriginal. A classic beautifully choreographed and edited murder scene becomes some vague underwater drowning. The brilliant brainwashing sequences replaced by a room of mad scientists drilling into sculls. Who can forget the great James Gregory and his ultimate resolution of Communist infiltration with a bottle of ketchup. This character almost totally shunned. I expected a lot more than Mr. Demme delivered. How about a re-make of "Silence of the Lambs" with Halle Berry and Vin Diesel.