DIRECTOR: Edward Zwick
MPAA RATING: R
RUNNING TIME: 110 Minutes
STUDIO: 20th Century Fox
| The Siege (1998) |
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| CAST: Denzel Washington, Annette Bening, Tony Shalhoub, Bruce Willis
DIRECTOR: Edward Zwick MPAA RATING: R RUNNING TIME: 110 Minutes STUDIO: 20th Century Fox |
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Too many movies these days are being made with the same old plot. The Siege uses a tired plot like terrorists, but its smartly written script and above average direction keep it from being the same old thing. Arab terrorists are beginning to blow up buses, movie theaters, and bigger things. FBI agent Denzel Washington and his crew are up to the task to stop them. When they fail to wipe out the bombers, the President calls for a martial law in Brooklyn. That's where things get hairy, as the U.S. Army, guided by General Devereaux (Bruce Willis) go against the rule to not ever fight against their fellow citizens.
Washington does what he's been doing for over 10 years, and that is doing his role with the greatest of ease. His best moments are when he's barking orders and demanding answers from people. Bening, who plays a CIA agent, also offers a good performance. A surprising performance is given by little known Tony Shalhoub, who is Washington's partner. He mixes comedy and drama quite well. The movie pushes the tension button to the fullest extent. It loses steam, however, when the army moves in. After seeing Washington and co. in action, we get used to being entertained, then Willis' character and the army bog down the upbeat and exciting flow. Aside from this flaw, and an unsurprising ending, what is left is a terrorist thriller that is a step above the norm. |
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