Reviews

It's all too easy to dismiss action blockbusters as this as lowbrow, unsophisticated entertainment but that would be inaccurate and unfair in the case of "The Rock"

In "The Rock" are assembled a wealth of talented, but more importantly highly watchable actors who have a witty, involving script to work from. Connery is excellent, as are Ed Harris and the occasionally polarising Nicolas Cage but they are supported by strong performances from the likes of Michael Biehn, William Forsythe, David Morse and others.

Unusually for a film of this type the characters are sufficiently rounded allowing you to empathise with even the antagonists. The plot is fun and entertaining if a little far-fetched.

Performances and script aside there are more than enough action set pieces and special effects to provide excitement and the score is very well done, understandable seeing as Hans Zimmer and Harry Gregson-Williams had a hand in it.

All in all, "The Rock" is a well made, well acted, blockbuster masterpiece and deserves wider recognition.

Watching this film for the second time I found it wasn't as good as i'd initially remembered.

Vince Vaughn is excellent in a straight dramatic role and his performance really carries the film, his interaction with his son is the main selling point. Joey Lauren Adams, although not given a whole lot to do, is very charming but remains two dimensional. Monica Potter does OK with a fairly thankless role but like Adams, her character's moods and motivations are never really explored. As a examination of the relationship between father and son the film does its job, however the various subplots are neglected and give the feeling of being there solely to pad the runtime.

Overall not a bad way to spend an hour and a half, just don't expect to be blown away by it.