The Rock (1996)

I once made it clear that I’m all for ignoring realism and I could tear out a few brain cells every now and then just so I can enjoy a movie. Lately, I watched a movie that I think fits that description perfectly: The Rock. I don’t really care much for Michael Bay’s films but I have to admit, he does know how to give the audience what they want. Well, anyone with a pretty low IQ in this critic’s opinion, but I guess his movies are still pretty fun. And, The Rock was probably the most fun I’ve ever had watching one of his films. I was able to enjoy this movie without taking it too seriously, and when it comes to a judgmental spectrumite like me, that’s really saying something. I wouldn’t consider a movie like this to be one of my favorites but unlike some of the most crappy ones that I have seen, I also wouldn’t consider this a waste of time and it made for a very enjoyable popcorn flick. I could even see myself watching this again whenever I’m in the mood. So, let’s get things underway and discuss this action thrill ride.

     The movie follows an ex-con (Sean Connery) and a chemical weapons expert (Nicolas Cage) who must infiltrate Alcatraz Island after a group of rogue Marines, led by a renegade general (Ed Harris) take tourists hostage and threaten San Francisco with deadly gas missiles. The plot does sound strange but that doesn’t take away from the entertainment. As a Bay Area native, I thought it was pretty cool to see San Francisco represented. If you know anything about Michael Bay, then not really anything in this movie will come as a surprise to you. From the spinning camera, close-ups, explosions, and intense slow motion, this movie pretty much screams Michael Bay. Man, I thought I was the cyclic one, I’m not even sure how many times I’ve seen this formula done in his films. Since I already knew what was to be expected, that made my viewing experience all the more fun. Normally, I’m not a fan of the acting when it comes to Bay’s films but the acting in this one was actually pretty good. And both Connery and Cage were a pretty awesome duo. The story isn’t anything special but then again, Bay’s films usually work that way so I guess I can ignore that. As an action movie, I was very impressed. Well, okay, I guess I can be a little nitpicky and admit that the shaky camera did bother me a little bit in some parts but I’ve seen worse. All in all, it was a pretty fun and explosive journey.

     Despite my one or two negatives, I still enjoyed this movie and it served as reminder that I can enjoy any movie, even ones that I wouldn’t consider a work of art. It also reminded me that I don’t need to be too critical of certain films as long as I don’t think too hard about it and just go along for the ride. In my case, that sounds like an impossible challenge but I think that this movie was definitely a good place to start. Like I said before, I’m not a huge fan of Michael Bay but he does have a clear vision that seems to work here. All that said, I would have to give this movie a 7 out of 10. If you’re looking for a fun action film that you can just enjoy and not have to think too hard about, then check this one out. I can assure you that you’ll be in for one explosive, kick-ass journey.