Did you ever see that movie called Die Hard?
The screenwriter did. Many times. So many times that he was able to transcribe it. Almost word for word, too. I was half expecting Glenn Close to slip the line "John McClai-er...Mr President!"
Blatant Plot Device Theft:
1. The good old wire-cutting scene. Add cheesy patriotism in
for atmosphere.
2. The wormy guy who tries to talk his way out is the first one to
die.
3. Stilted political argument between Protagonist and Antagonist, until
the Protagonist
starts kicking ass.
4. Someone must utter the line "He's a Congressional Medal of Honor
winner. He know how to fight."
Plot Revelations About Life:
1. A 55 year-old politician can kick a Russian terrorist's ass
2. They keep lots of automatic weapons nearby the press seats
(installed by Reagan administration to intimidate Sam Donaldson)
3. You put your thumb on a Powerbook screen and you can get into
anywhere!
4. The "escape pod" takes a half hour to walk to from the president's
office: easy access!
The Acting:
Harry Ford at his best. Glenn Close great as female VP. Oldman in another villain turn makes it look easy. Xander Berkley exhudes menace. Good performances.
The Action:
the Good
Man-to-Man fight scenes are really great in this movie. Realistic,
too.
A scene where a Mig fires a missile at AFO and an American F-15 pilot throws himself in front of it. Very effective scene.
the Bad
Mission: Impossible-rip-off where the Prez is a silhouette of agony
in front of an exploding vehicle.
the Ugly
A cute Aide gets a blood halo.
the Directing:
I don't blame Wolfie for this movie, but I am disappointed in him.
How can he go from In the Line of Fire and Das Boot to this? He works
wonders with what he's given. But, as they say, you can't make shit
look pretty, no matter how good a sculptor you are.