The Rock (1996)
Director: Michael Bay
Starring: Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris, William Forsythe
Primary genre: Action
Secondary genre: Thriller
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“The Rock” represents a Hollywood era that unapologetically relied on ridiculous premises to pull off thrilling action with the singular purpose of providing pure entertainment.
While it can be seen as a “Die Hard"“ (1988) clone with an unlikely duo going against trained marines in an isolated setting (i.e., the prison island of Alcatraz), the comparisons stop there. Bearing dramatic stakes that extend beyond a heist or the identity of a politically corrupt culprit, Bay and his screenwriters do not waste any time to introduce key characters, finding smart ways to bring together Connery’s suave John Mason and Cage’s lab rat. The script (with an uncredited pass by Quentin Tarantino(!)) in its first half solely focuses on building up the three main leads, providing necessary and sharp characterization even to minor roles.
And when the eventual clash arrives, it does not disappoint, mostly because Bay is using the unique setting for several explosive skirmishes complemented by ominous underground production design that references “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” (1984). Despite a surprisingly underwhelming final confrontation and an eye candy girlfriend who is more annoying (and 90’s) that the filmmakers make it out to be, the two hour running time passes pleasantly enough due to Bay’s strict editing employment and fascinating visual style. His saturated aesthetic embraces the city of San Francisco and its renown tourist locations with gorgeous orange-drenched sunsets and foggy mornings. Showcasing all of his signature trademarks - dangerous stuntwork, shootouts, explosions, military firepower, black humor, excessive patriotism, stylized shots and sneaking even a career highlight car chase for a good measure - in right doses, “The Rock” has something rare in a Bay film: likeable and relatable characters.
Coming hot right after his Oscar win in 1995, it is the first in the Cage action triplet (i.e., “Con Air” (1997), “Face/Off” (1997)) that sees him sharing an effective chemistry with a delightful Sean Connery who is having the time of his life; both quoting memorable lines while going toe to toe with General Hummel, an antagonist who could have been easily reduced to a shouting stereotype but somehow earns our sympathy through a layered performance by Ed Harris.
So far in Michael Bay’s explosive filmography, “The Rock” remains easily his best movie. It is one of these films that any attempt at criticism is an exercise in vanity. Offering some of the best action that 90’s Hollywood has to offer with an appealing trio of actors, there is not much you will not like. It is quite simply a thrill ride done right.
Peak 90’s action
+Great cast
+Connery steals the show
+Witty one liners
+Fast paced, stylized, well made
+Layered antagonist
+Rich and colored cinematography
-Underwhelming final confrontation
-Annoying one dimensional girlfriend
A controversial decade for action