JB

Shawn

JB: It seems to me that one of the keys to a good movie is to not allow the main character to be more frightening than the villain.

Shawn: If you sit far enough away, some of the wrinkles disappear.

JB: Oh, that's good to know. Aside from that, I found this movie fairly enjoyable. Not terribly suspenseful, not overwhelmingly action-packed, but well paced and intriguing. It also didn't insult my intelligence with unnecessary subplots and poorly thought-out characters. Malkovich is frighteningly delightful as Mitch, the former CIA assassin, and is a delight every maniacal moment he's on screen. Eastwood, frightening in his own respect, fits into the guilt-ridden, self-doubting role with the greatest of ease. The interplay between this two is refreshing, as is the secondary relationship between Russo and Eastwood (I'll stop repeating "it's not fair" now). Makes you really wonder why people would want to be Secret Service agents. For a better answer, watch Dave.

Shawn: Wolfgang Peterson's films sure are hot and cold. Well written script and good performances make this one of his movies to carry the hot distinction. And surprisingly enough, this movie is really funny as Clint interacts with others using a good dry wit; he puts a good level of personality into his character, creating a great focus and drive for the movie. The fact that the spooky Malkovich is pushing him at every moment adds good tension to this as well. (Malkovich was nominated for an Academy Award for this one).

BEST TIME TO TAKE A LEAK: The sex scene between Russo and Eastwood ("it's not fair" or "what is she thinking?")

MOST OUT-OF-SYNC MOMENT: Malkovich, being clever the whole movie, decides to trap himself in an elevator and talk Eastwood to death.

BEST USE OF SPECIAL EFFECTS: The computer animated Clint Eastwood who ran next to the limousine, I mean, stood next to Kennedy.

Rent the DVD