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"Isn't There An Age
Limit On Playing An
Action Hero?" |
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Directed by Richard
Loncraine - Written by
Joe Forte
Starring Harrison Ford,
Paul Bettany, Mary Lynn
Rajskub
Distributed by Warner
Brothers - 2006 -
105mins - Rated PG13 |
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Everything He Loves Is About To Be Used Against Him! |
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Despite
it's title, there is very little in "Firewall" about firewalls.
Although there is a quite a lot of technology, we never see these
programs put into use. I mention this because I find it inconsistent,
and thus an adequate representation of the film.
Harrison Ford is back and proves that he is just as cool as ever. Paul
Bettany proves that he is one of the young actors out there to watch.
Virginia Madsen once again proves that many actors squander their
post-Oscar nod careers by taking unremarkable roles. The script proves
that plot holes are alive and well in Hollywood. Director Richard
Loncraine proves that pedestrian, safe direction is tolerated well by
the studios. And Mary Lynn Rajskub proves that she is officially
typecast.
The combination of these factors makes "Firewall" a rather mediocre
film...so why am I recommending it? Well, it's a fast-paced,
entertaining popcorn film that will entertain you just as much with
it's action sequences as it does with it's unintentional hilarity.
Fans of Ford will be pleased...this man is in his sixties, but some
how he still manages to kick ass and take names, particularly in a
thrilling climax that involves explosions, gunfire and one hell of a
fight scene with the villain (Bettany), who had kidnapped Ford's
family in order to force him to rob the bank he works for. Watching
these two match wits and then trade blows is exciting enough to make
up for the film's flaws.
Flaws? How about gaping plot holes, henchmen who really aren't that
terrifying, and one of the most annoying child actors I have ever seen
in film? How about mediocre direction that does little more than shoot
the action and not let us get involved (with the exception of the
above-mentioned climax)?
But I digress...this is a fun film that require no brain power. It
passes the time and disappears from your brain the moment you leave
the theatre. It's never offensively bad and it never tries to be
great. It just exists for what it is.
On a closing note, how about Mary Lynn Rajskub? You may remember her
as Chloe O'Brien on television's "24." She plays the exact same
character here. Ford's character is named Jack. Seeing Chloe say
"Jack" on the big screen only reminded me of how much I want a "24"
movie. |
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© Written by Jacob Hall |
TC Candler's Comment
I will be
honest with you... Harrison Ford, one of the all
time great movie stars, is getting too old for
this type of role. He just can't pull it
off anymore. There is nothing terribly
wrong with this production other than its utter
lack of originality. I feel like I've seen
it a million times before.
Richard
Propes' Comment
n/a
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