So the idea of two people of power fighting in a small area is just too damn good. Tony Scott did a brilliant job of portraying the tension between the two characters. Protocol versus old-school knowledge, that’s what the struggle is and it’s a great take. Could Scott have picked the best actors for this struggle? Hackman vs. Washington, they were perfect. When this movie was put together it certainly did make sense to get both of these actors. Hackman plays a good old-man, with still a bit of kick in him. Enemy of the State proved that he could handle himself more in his older role as an actor and still deliver that good Hackman punch, something that can be seen in movies like No Way Out. The point is, he hasn’t lost it. As for Washington, he always brings his ‘A’ game and seems to feel comfortable in roles of authority or roles where authority is defied. He compliments Hackman’s character perfectly and plays his role as a no-cutting-corners officer in the most perfect way. For such a simple story that basically comes down to a disagreement it’s amazing how each of their passion to the role deepens the story that much more.
So, is there anything wrong with the film? I think at time the pacing a is a bit off. The personalities that spring up through the crew tend to be a bit overstated at times. The cook is a big fat guy who is wearing a single white shirt, with a stain on it, and tends to give dumb expressions. It’s not like we haven’t seen that before anywhere. Also, is James Gandolfini type-cast for every movie? The only thing he was missing in his, yet-again, tough-guy role was back-up from The Sopranos. He’s such a good actor, why not make him an intelligent cog in a movie once-in-awhile. Then you’ve got Viggo Mortensen who must have found zero pleasure in his role as Hunter’s good friend Lt. Peter Ince. He had the potential to be intriguing, but for some reason Scott seemed to hold his character back a bit.
Outside of this crew, the movie was great. It certainly deserves to have accolades and brings a serious issue of ‘following orders’ versus ‘doing what’s right’. It’s an interesting concept and one that probably resides in the U.S. Military from time-to-time.
Blu-ray down below
One thing I’ve always been concerned about, and something I’ve stated in previous reviews, was the lack of creativity on Blu-ray menus. Simplicity hits inventiveness square on the head when it comes to describing what Walt Disney Video has done to this Blu-ray. You get a simple menu with a good menu array of options. I can see people are beginning to get the purpose of Blu-ray and the potential that is out there.
As for the audio and video, it’s perfect. This is the reason why people need to purchase a nice television and some kick-ass speakers. Hearing the dialogue and arguments, and even some underwater battles, through a nice 5.1 setup is worth the money. Once you add that to the clear picture that Blu-ray brings to the table, something you can’t really appreciate until you experience it, you’ll be in visual and audio paradise.
Armed with features
The special features might be the downfall of the Blu-ray. While the point of Blu-ray, right now at least, is to bring the high-definition experience to the audience, it still needs more. DVDs have spoiled us into expecting much more out of home entertainment, that was the reason they replaced the VHS – or at least a huge reason, so Blu-rays have to deliver more than a DVD. Regretfully, that isn’t the case here. With a sub-par Making of featurette that is merely featured in 480, and not very entertaining – more shameless self-promotion, it’s gotta be better than this. Of course, it will get better, just not with movies that have been updated from the 90s.
Final words from the helm
If you’ve never experienced this movie, you’re really just robbing yourself of one of the best submarine films since The Hunt for Red October. It brings a bit of action, some drama and two of the most powerful roles that Washington and Hackman have ever had the pleasure of creating. It also brings everything you would expect out of a Blu-ray and lacks in some other areas. Still, it’s a good film to have in your collection and it’s certainly worth a rent if not a purchase.
Overall: 7.5
