Thursday, May 25, 2006

THE SENTINEL


Written by Hombre Divertido

Is this the Bizarro world where up is down, left is right, and hello is goodbye, or did Hollywood actually make a good suspense/action movie with no sex, foul language, or blood?

Ok, maybe a little blood, and a little intimacy, but by today’s poor standards, quite light.

Yes, there are plot points that are ridiculous (See the relationship that Pete Garrison (Michael Douglas) is involved in). Yes, it was obvious who had “dunnit” as soon as he appeared on camera. Yes, David Breckinridge’s (Keifer Sutherland) inability to capture the suspect when the opportunity presented itself was completely out of character. Yes, the historical conflict between Garrison and Breckinridge conveniently disappears. Yes, normally these types of things are death to a film, but this movie overcomes a few bumps in the road by just being fun.

Based on a novel by Gerald Petievich, with a screenplay by George Nolfi, Director Clark Johnson has created a dangerous world that you can’t help but want to be a part of. Being a secret service agent looks glamorous and exciting as long as you are wearing your bulletproof vest, which in this film, were apparently only handed out to the pivotal characters.

The characterizations are vivid though sometimes inconsistent. The action on the other hand is consistent and not overdone. The pace is perfect, for though you may know where they are going, trying to keep up holds your attention.

Bottom line: Brain candy is good sometimes, and this is a “Leave your brain in the car” movie at it’s best.

Recommendation: If you are going to see MI3, see this instead.