Basic
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Movie Reviews of Basic
Movie Review: Excellent
Summary: 4 Stars
I have to disagree with those who have bemoaned this picture for failing to fulfill genre requirements, as these people have obviously missed the point. Basic is NOT an action movie, nor is it really a murder mystery, it is not a romantic thriller, a war movie, or even a courtroom drama, and that is WHY it is so entertaining. The mere fact that it can't be pidgeonholed into a movie "catagory" or "genre" is the genius behind the direction, and I have to say probably one of John McTiernan's better movies to date. I'm not going to give anything away, except to say, this is a real potboiler, a whodunnit, and a dark sided movie all rolled into one. You will be compelled and find yourself guessing throughout the multiple twists, turns, and double backs that seem to be endlessly thrown into the mix. Probably not a movie to buy (once you know how it ends) and that's why I kept it to 4 stars, but don't be fooled by the trailers. This picture is slick, inventive, and totally absorbing. The performances are strong, and believable all round, and the storyline develops at an even pace, keeping you hooked. Who will you believe? and why? you will constantly be asking yourself until the final credits roll. A really good nailbiter - Enjoy!Movie Review: First class mystery...
Summary: 4 Stars
This film is a stylish, military thriller and murder mystery from the director of `Die Hard with a Vengeance', John McTiernan, that maintains its tension and intrigue from start to finish. By their definition, thriller/mysteries are designed to keep you guessing throughout the tale, and a big part of the entertainment value is the process of determining the identity of the killer. This film indeed keeps the viewer guessing and continues to do so until the end. There are some of us who have that ability to watch any mystery film and deduce the culprit's identity within the first ten minutes of the story. (I'm not one of them) But I would bet anyone my last dollar to figure out this film's ending, the final twist is exceptionally clever and surprising. It was also a pleasure to see Travolta and Jackson together on the screen again. After seeing this picture, I was reminded of that intense charisma and power these two actor's command on screen; both have that undeniable star quality that shines in every project they do.
Overall this is a well-crafted thriller/mystery that rivets the viewer's attention from the start, and doesn't let go until the final scene - first class entertainment.
Movie Review: MORE TWISTS THAN A PRETZEL
Summary: 4 Stars
BASIC is one frustrating movie...I found myself wondering throughout the whole movie, what in the world is going on here? Who in the world is telling the truth? Who killed who? But, once it completes its rollercoaster ride, it leaves you snickering, come on, how can this be? And yet, I found myself riveted to the screen waiting for the "truth" to be told. John Travolta is at his smooth best in the role of an interrogator under investigation for bribery; Timothy Daly gives a good performance as his old buddy who lures him into the case; Connie Nielsen is pretty, but her performance is at times too wooden to be convincing; Brian van Holt is excellent as Ray, the stubborn soldier; Giovanni Ribisi (so good in "The Gift") is a little too "gay" in his role, but convincing; Samuel L. Jackson is Samuel L. Jackson, but certainly makes you hate him. John McTiernan's direction (he of the Die Hard fame) is crisp and shrouded in mystery. If you have a low frustration level, you may give up on "Basic"; but stick with it; it's ending comes out of nowhere, but it does have an impact.Movie Review: Really, really good! really!
Summary: 4 Stars
Personally, I find john travolta kind of annoying. I put off renting this one as long as possible because of that. But I started reading reviews and decided to risk the few bucks and check it out. Was I surprised! It was really good! It's a real who-done-it kind of flick. And by now you probably know that there is a surprise twist at the end. Well, actually the last 20 mintues of the movie is one giant spiral. Just when you think you have it figured out, you're wrong. And again, and again. But the turns are not so unbelievable that you're like "yeah, right." They make sense. I've seen flicks with surprise twists where it appears they made the twist just to say that it had a twist, not that it served any purpose. But in this movie about deceival, the twists are just logical parts of the plot. I'm not sure what the review meant by "irrelavent". I found it all relavent, and fun. It was a fun movie. It was fun hanging onto your seat just waiting to see what would happen next. Highy reccomended. Samuel Jackson, as usual, rocks!Movie Review: Awesome Bad Movie
Summary: 4 Stars
This is one of those movies that you criticise whenever you're thinking logically...even though you secretly love it when you've got a night alone and feel like watching a movie.
The acting is...passable. The writing is on the same level. The plot is downright silly, but enjoyable at the same time. Enough money went into this picture to leave nothing missing from sound, special effects, or set pieces. The holes in the plot are huge, but the producers seem to have gone with the "if you can't hide it, feature it" school of thought. It's left as an open-ended, figure-it-out-yourself closing at the end (don't try TOO hard).
Look, I'm not going to argue that this movie will be remembered in 50 years. All I can say is I've watched it about 10 times, with everyone from army buddies to a range of girlfriends, to family, all the way to friends from school and training...and it's always a great movie for a rainy night in.
Worth the price. Fun.