the rock (1996) review
The best action movies are those where the action feels earned. That is, the physical conflicts are borne from believable, justifiable philosophical conflicts that don’t require constant leaps in logic or the viewer to turn their brain off. Explosions for explosions sake don’t resonate. It’s always better to have less action if the script fills that time with proper set-up and character development. It is only then when action scenes are elevated and have true meaning. Many a screenwriter overlook this critical element and their films suffer as a result. Michael Bay is a frequent offender. I don’t have much ground to stand on considering his movies routinely gross a gazillion dollars but that’s a conversation for another time. Bay has two films that stand out for their tight script and earned action. Pain and Gain is one. The Rock (1996) is the other. Starring Nic Cage and Sir Sean Connery, The Rock is a case study in crafting a story and developing characters that represent the perfect canvas on which to place action - this is why it is considered a genre classic. The inimitable Ed Harris plays the films heavy, Brigadier General Frank Hummel. Hummel is no mustache-twirling villain. His motivation for creating the central conflict is Magneto-like in that he desires only justice and fairness for those who have been wronged. He’s an actual hero forced to become the villain. Nic Cages’ Stanley Goodspeed, our protagonist, isn’t a chiseled frame bullet sponge. He’s a beleaguered scientist with a wife and a kid on the way. Lesser films would’ve glossed over these elements. Knowing that our protagonist is at the end of the day just a working stiff like the rest of us is what makes him interesting. Sean Connery’s Mason is essentially James Bond, only cooler. His every movement and word ooze with confidence and swagger (sort of like Connery IRL). If you ever find yourself stuck and facing down a squad of trained mercenaries, John Patrick Mason is the guy you want on your side.
The Rock could’ve been another loud and brainlessly grating Bay action film. It is elevated by the script and a charismatic performance by Connery. May he Rest in Power. 10/10