Hey folks, Harry here. Months ago I reviewed the screenplay for John McTiernan's film BASIC. I told y'all that this was just a damn fine script that McTiernan would knock out of the park. Reading it, I could just see him nailing the material especially with the amazing cast he had assembled. Some felt I was kissing his ass after the "Rollerball" incident, but folks... That script was fucking great and one film a career does not make. McTiernan made a bad movie from a bad script with the wrong actors. That's sad, but McTiernan hasn't lost a thing, and it was just a matter of getting strong material. Much like trying to judge Ridley Scott after the back to back flicks 1492 and WHITE SQUALL. He seemed ready for retirement, but boy did he kick up his game. See... That's what being a veteren in the game does for ya. Gives ya stamina to come back. And from what I've heard from the NRG spies that are getting ready to run that company now that Farrell is set to scadaddle... This thing placed very high in both the male and female demographics. Here's the review we've gotten thus far...
Hi Harry:
Mpyre here...my last test screening review for you was the Miramax cut of "Shaolin Soccer" screened at the SD Comic Con. Many doubted my review but it was nice seeing it backed-up by other reviewers who caught other test screenings.
I just got back from a test screening of John McTiernan's "Basic". It was screened in the exact same theater in San Diego's Gaslamp District.
Since this is a work print, I can't make any judgements about the pacing, music, effects or cinematography.
The movie centers around an investigation led by John Travolta and Connie Nielsen over a set of murders during a storm in Panama on a military base. That's all a viewer should know walking in. I found the story to be a huge ball of confusion by the last half but the great ending (heck--shocking, exquisite) wiped away any grumblings that I had. Of course it's a work print and I'm sure they'll trim some of the extra stuff. Adding to the confusion is the storm setting which made it hard for me to follow the characters. All Rangers look the same covered with mud. The DVD version should include little arrows with names pointing at characters.
As for the plot, it unfolds "Rashomon" style with characters telling their competing sides of the story. This is a good tool but by the third re-telling, I couldn't make heads or tails over anyone so I let the movie flow.
A surprising bonus in "Basic" was the amount of humor. My roommate opted not to see the screening figuring it would be another "General's Daughter" or "Rules of Engagement". This was a straight-up audience pleaser with Travolta and Nielsen delivering great lines. Travolta also shows off his new ab-packed torso but it could have been just good CGI work.
Samuel Jackson is great in his role as "West"--he wears a bad-assed cape throughout the film. He steals every scene he's in but to same more would spoil the story. Ribisi was in fine form but his voice sounded like a Brat-pack Dr. Evil. Harry Connick didn't flub it--I expected him to have a cigar a la "Independence Day" (he sings at one point).
As for plot nit-picking, I have a major quibble in the spoiler below.
McTiernan's back in form. I'm still trying to straighten out the confusing plot but the spectacular ending clears the air in fine form. I've been looking for an ending on the level of "Sixth Sense" but I guess I was searching for the wrong "M". It wasn't "M. Night", it's "McTiernan"
SPOILER BELOW:
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As for the climax, I loved the way McTiernan used a carnival as a backdrop.The carnival was shown in trippy lights and lots of camera movement with Nielsen losing her bearings. It was exactly how I felt at that point and the ending paid in spades.
