A Complete review of Tony Scott's work

Unstoppable

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 12:13:22 GMT

Cast : Denzel Washington, Chris Pine, Rosario Dawson

What was it about?
With an unmanned, half-mile-long freight train barreling toward a city, a veteran engineer and a young conductor race against the clock to prevent a catastrophe.

My two cents:
After some jets, a submarine, a subway, Tony Scott decided to make a movie around a train. It seems rather impossible to make an exicting action movie about a train but he still managed to make it pretty entertaining to watch. Still, it is nothing mind-blowing though.

My rating: 06/10

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The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 06:49:15 GMT

Cast : Denzel Washington, John Travolta, John Turturro, James Gandolfini

What was it about?
Armed men hijack a New York City subway train, holding the passengers hostage in return for a ransom, and turning an ordinary day's work for dispatcher Walter Garber into a face-off with the mastermind behind the crime.

My two cents:
I haven't seen the original version so I can't compare the two movies. There was a lot of talk about how the original version was much better and all but I thought this remake was not bad at all. Still, the whole thing does feel like a rather pointless remake, even if it is very well made.

My rating: 06/10

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Deja Vu

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 08:05:42 GMT

Cast : Denzel Washington, Paula Patton, Val Kilmer, Jim Caviezel, Elle Fanning

What was it about?
An ATF agent travels back in time to save a woman from being murdered, falling in love with her during the process.

My two cents:
Tony Scott and Denzel Washington are working together again and they both managed to transform this rather preposterous story into an explosive action feast and I was really entertained throughout the whole thing. Was it possible to get more, to get something better from this plot? I highly doubt it but it is a compliment to Scott and Washington's talent.

My rating: 06/10

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Domino

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 08:56:57 GMT

Cast : Keira Knightley, Mickey Rourke, Édgar Ramírez, Delroy Lindo, Mo'Nique, Mena Suvari, Macy Gray, Jacqueline Bisset, Lucy Liu, Brian Austin Green, Ian Ziering

What was it about?
A recounting of Domino Harvey's life story. The daughter of actor Laurence Harvey turned away from her career as a Ford model to become a bounty hunter.

My two cents:
For once, Tony Scott decided to make a movie without Denzel Washingtion and to hire Mickey Rourke who was making his comeback back then. It is a really awesome story and the directing was visually rather impressive. It was also nice to see Keira Knightley trying something completely different. Still, the whole thing remains rather trashy and shallow and could have been better but I think it is still worth a look though.

My rating: 06/10

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Man on Fire

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 10:56:31 GMT

Cast : Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, Marc Anthony, Radha Mitchell, Christopher Walken, Giancarlo Giannini, Mickey Rourke

What was it about?
In Mexico City, a former assassin swears vengeance on those who committed an unspeakable act against the family he was hired to protect.

My two cents:
Almost 10 years after 'Crimson Tide', Tony Scott and Denzel Washington are reunited again and it seems they had a good time since they made rapidly 3 other movies together. It is a fan favorite and it is quite understandable. I mean, the directing is really dynamic and efficient and Denzel Washington gives a very strong performance as usual. Still, even though I found the whole thing pretty entertaining, I thought the story was nothing really amazing and actually rather predictable. Still, it remains a solid action flick though.

My rating: 06/10

Beat the Devil

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 09:55:29 GMT

Cast : Clive Owen, Gary Oldman, James Brown, Marilyn Manson, Danny Trejo

What was it about?
Decades ago, the legendary James Brown sold his soul to the devil for fame and fortune. Now he wishes to renegotiate. Hired to take Mr. Brown to a rendezvous with the devil (Gary Oldman), the driver soon finds himself entangled in fiendish plans

My two cents:
It is one of the most popular movies in this serie and it is definitely the weirdest one. It is not my favorite (I prefer the 1st flick directed by John Frankenheimer) but it is definitely a cool short movie.

My rating: 07/10

Spy Game

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 07:03:18 GMT

Cast : Robert Redford, Brad Pitt, Catherine McCormack

What was it about?
Retiring CIA agent Nathan Muir recalls his training of Tom Bishop while working against agency politics to free him from his Chinese captors.

My two cents:
I have some mixed feelings about this one. Indeed, on one hand, it is a very well made and entertaining spy flick, no doubt. On the other hand, it is a flick starring two Hollywood giants, shouldn't it be better than this?!? It was also one of the last movies starring Robert Redford directed by someone else than himself. Back then, Brad Pitt was a already a huge star but still not really sure what do with himself (in 2001, he also starred in 'Ocean's eleven' which was pretty good and 'The Mexican' which was pretty awfull). Still, it remains a decent spy flick and it is definitely worth a look.

My rating: 06/10

Enemy of the State

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 08:12:24 GMT

Cast : Will Smith, Gene Hackman, Jon Voight ,Lisa Bonet, Regina King, Loren Dean, Barry Pepper, Ian Hart, Jake Busey, Scott Caan, Jason Lee, Gabriel Byrne

What was it about?
A lawyer becomes a target by a corrupt politician and his NSA goons when he accidentally receives key evidence to a serious politically motivated crime.

My two cents:
Basically, it is a very well made thriller with a completely unbelievable plot which tries shamelessly to have some connection with 'The Conversation'. For Will Smith, it was his 4th huge hit in a row at the box-office and his star was rising at a high velocity. Still, the directing is very good and, in its genre, it is actually a pretty cool flick and it is really entertaining.

My rating: 06/10

The Fan

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 08:54:31 GMT

Cast : Robert De Niro, Wesley Snipes, Ellen Barkin, John Leguizamo, Benicio Del Toro

What was it about?
An all star baseball player becomes the unhealthy focus of a down on his luck salesman.

My two cents:
Do you remember the time when Robert de Niro used to be the greatest actor ever and you would sh*t your pants everytime this guy was showing up on your screen? I know, that's a long time ago... Anyway, in this flick, he gave probably his last awesome performance. I mean, it is a rather standard thriller, rather predictable and all but De Niro gives such a visceral performance, he just pushed the whole thing to the next level all by himself. What a guy... I do miss him so bad...

My rating: 06/10

Crimson Tide

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 09:46:59 GMT

Cast : Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, Viggo Mortensen, James Gandolfini, Steve Zahn

What was it about?
On a US nuclear missile sub, a young first officer stages a mutiny to prevent his trigger happy captain from launching his missiles before confirming his orders to do so.

My two cents:
It was the first movie Denzel Washington and Tony Scott made together and it is definitely one of the best movies on this list, at least in my opinion. Indeed, it is easily one of the best submarine features I have seen. Of course, it doesn't come near 'Das Boot' but it is still damned fine entertaining and this Clash of the Titans (see above) is absolutely worth a look.

My rating: 07/10

True Romance

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 08:22:35 GMT

Cast : Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Gary Oldman, Brad Pitt, Christopher Walken, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Rapaport, James Gandolfini, Chris Penn, Tom Sizemore

What was it about?
Clarence marries hooker Alabama, steals cocaine from her pimp, and tries to sell it in Hollywood, while the owners of the coke try to reclaim it.

My two cents:
It is arguably the most popular movie on this list and has generated a huge cult following since it has been released (like everything else involving Quentin Tarantino). Personally, I have some rather mixed feelings about the whole thing. I mean, I liked it, it was a fun flick, very well made and all but, honestly, there was nothing mind-blowing about the story, at least, that's my opinion. Still, it is definitely one of the best movies directed by Tony Scott, no doubt.

My rating: 07/10

The Last Boy Scout

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 08:43:40 GMT

Cast : Bruce Willis, Damon Wayans, Danielle Harris, Halle Berry

What was it about?
A down and out cynical detective teams up with a down and out ex-quarterback to try and solve a murder case involving a pro football team and a politician.

My two cents:
Even though this flick was a flop, actually I think it is actually rather underrated. Ok, the title is lame, Damon Wayans can be pretty annoying and Bruce Willis just does another version of John McClane but I'm a sucker for those action flicks when he plays the washed-up cynical guy. Eventually, it is a good old R rated action flick and it is just plain entertaining.

My rating: 07/10

Days of Thunder

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 09:38:39 GMT

Cast : Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Robert Duvall, Randy Quaid, Cary Elwes, Michael Rooker, John C. Reilly

What was it about?
Cole Trickle enters the high-pressure world of Nascar racing. He's a hot driver with a hot temper, and this attitude gets him into trouble not only with other drivers, but members of his own team as well.

My two cents:
It is probably the worst movie Tony Scott has made in his career. The biggest issue, in my opinion, is how can you make an exciting movie about a sport like Nascar racing?!? Anyway, back then, Tom Cruise was becoming the biggest movie star on earth and it was the second time around he was working with Tony Scott, following 'Top Gun' which was for both their first bonafide box-office success. Honestly, this movie was not so bad, I mean, Tony Scott is one of the best action directors, no question about it but the story was kind of boring, not original at all and completely predictable.

My rating: 05/10

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Revenge

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 09:36:37 GMT

Cast : Kevin Costner, Anthony Quinn, Madeleine Stowe, John Leguizamo

What was it about?
Michael "Jay" Cochran has just left the Navy after 12 years. He's not quite sure what he's going to do, except that he knows he wants a holiday. He decides to visit Tiburon Mendez, a powerful but shady Mexican businessman who he once flew to Alaska for a hunting trip. Arriving at the Mendez mansion in Mexico, he is immediately surprised by the beauty and youth of Mendez' wife Miryea. Their attraction to each other is undeniable, but Cochran is aware that Mendez is a powerful, vindictive, and very possessive man who does not tolerate betrayal.

My two cents:
I guess it is the most obscure movie directed by Tony Scott. As a matter of fact, it was actually a pet project for Kevin Costner who himself decided to direct the movie as his directorial debut, but producer Ray Stark talked him out of it as he didn't feel Costner was ready to helm a project just yet. Honestly, it is not bad, there is a cool cast and the whole thing is rather entertaining but the plot is awfully pedestrian and unoriginal.

My rating: 06/10

Beverly Hills Cop II

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 05:47:47 GMT

Cast : Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, Jürgen Prochnow, Brigitte Nielsen, Dean Stockwell

What was it about?
Axel Foley returns to Beverly Hills to help Taggart and Rosewood investigate Chief Bogamil's near-fatal shooting and the series of "alphabet crimes" associated with it.

My two cents:
I'm probably in the minority on this one but, personally, I think it is the best movie in this franchise. Indeed, I think it is better than the first movie which I found rather disappointing. In my opinion, this flick offers the best mix of action and humor and it goes more smoothly than the first installment. It is also rather violent and it provides a nice contrast between the humor provided by Eddie Murphy and the darker violent moments. Of course, it is still not a masterpiece but that's not the point here.

My rating: 07/10

Top Gun

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 06:24:57 GMT

Cast : Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards, Tom Skerritt, Michael Ironside, Tim Robbins, Meg Ryan, Adrian Pasdar

What was it about?
The macho students of an elite US Flying school for advanced fighter pilots compete to be best in the class, and one romances the teacher.

My two cents:
I know, it is a huge classic from the 80's but I didn't really like it. I'm maybe too harsh and should probably give it another shot but, honestly, if you put aside all the impressive flying scenes, what else do you have? A very weak and predictable plot with some poorly developped characters. Honestly, the whole thing is just a recruiting commercial for the Air Force, not much more than that, I'm afraid.

My rating: 05/10

The Hunger

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 08:13:07 GMT

Cast : Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie, Susan Sarandon

What was it about?
The vampire lady Miriam subsists upon the blood of her lovers. In return the guys or girls don't age... until Miriam has enough of them. Unfortunately that's currently the case with John, so his life expectancy is below 24 hours. Desperately he seeks help from the famous Dr. Sarah Roberts. She doesn't really believe his story, but becomes curious and contacts Miriam ... and gets caught in her ban, too.

My two cents:
The weirdest and most interesting thing about this flick is that it has absolutely nothing to do with anything else Tony Scott has done after. As a matter of fact, it is one of the most intriguing vampire films ever made, with some rather steamy sex scenes with 2 giants, Catherine Deneuve and Susan Sarandon. Since it is his directing debut, the narration is sometimes rather weak but it is my favorite movie directed by Tony Scott and it is definitely worth a look.

My rating: 07/10

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