Tom Clancy – Cut To The Chase

Directed By: Sam Peckinpah
Written By: Marc Norman and Stirling Silliphant
Based On The Novel “Monkey In The Middle”: Robert Rostand
Cinematography: Philip Lathrop
Editor: Monte Hellman and Tony De Zarraga

Cast: James Caan, Robert Duvall, Bo Hopkins, Mako, Burt Young, Gig Young, Arthur Hill, Tom Clancy, Tiana, Kate Heflin, Sondra Blake

Mike Locken is one of the principal members of a group of freelance spies. A significant portion of their work is for the C.I.A. While he’s on a case for them, one of his friends turns on him and shoots him in the elbow and knee. His assignment, to protect someone, goes down in flames. He is nearly crippled, but with braces is able to become mobile again. For revenge as much as anything else, Mike goes after his ex-friend.

The film plays like experimental jazz. So many elements coming together seemingly Off beat, yet you stay to see where it is going. Considering the talents involved

James Caan is the lead, laid back and riffing through it all, but showing his skills and talent. Even though his character is supposedly handicapped.

Where it always seems Like he is more a lady’s man constantly flirting or always having a one-liner rather than being a fighter. Though I won’t Front would totally rock the outfit of his turtleneck.

Robert Duvall seems more like he dropped into the production as a favor or a debt owned (think Edward Norton in THE ITALIAN JOB)

The film shows Life at the C.I.A., might not be as exciting day to day, but lacks plenty of action in the field.

The main characters aren’t suit and tie or all business, nor typical heroes. In fact, it looks like they are all wearing their own clothes from home. As half the film takes place over 2 days.

They are ordinary guys the type you see around your neighborhood Back in the day 9 – 5 guys. Who meet up for drinks at a local bar after work to talk and drink their troubles away.

Not too much exciting action. A lot of slow motion doesn’t help. The film Has a messy 3 act structure that seems to have Its own mini-arcs in act one through so many soliloquies. Which leads to pacing problems.

You are left wanting even when it seems to take side steps to be more quirky. As you are looking for something with more attitude. Though it plays more like a kind of Western with those types of characters.

At times the film is impressive, even more knowing what went on behind the scenes and the messiness of the production. Which includes diced to cast the screenwriter’s girlfriend, and drugs being used on the set.

As it goes off on its own solos of little twists and turns that add to the overall element of a project.

In the end, this is a film that seems like it will only be liked by fans of those involved as a completist type of movie.

This Ends up as sub-par Peckinpah

Grade: C

Directed By: Stefano Sellima
Written By: Taylor Sheridan & Will Staples
Based On The Novel By: Tom Clancy
Cinematography: Philippe Rousselot
Editor: Matthew Newman

Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Bell, Jodie Turner-Smith, Guy Pearce, Lauren London, Cam Gigandet, Brett Gelman, Colman Domingo, Jacob Scipio, Todd Lasance

An elite Navy SEAL, goes on a path to avenge his wife’s murder only to find himself inside of a larger conspiracy.

Considering the talent involved. This should have been a much better film.

The film feels more like a revenge saga that happens to have espionage and the government more on its mind and just adds that revenge to make it more personal for the lead.

The film’s most memorable action sequences are shown in the trailer and seem to be used quickly within the film’s first hour.

This is a totally joyless film with no sense of fun or any real excitement.

When it comes to most espionage films. I usually find myself confused and having to watch a few times to work out exactly what happened or went down. This film comes off as simplified or maybe as I get older I pay closer attention. This film feels way too simple.

The film runs into the Wonder Woman example of the hero being encouraged and supported. Only to find out by the end. He is the true enemy following the keep your friends close and your enemy closer mentality. The prick character thought out thought to be the villain is actually a red herring and the closest to an ally the main character might have.

Screenwriter Taylor Sheridan is used to writing these types of films but here he is working with previously written material. So he can only do so much.

The film has an epic story that feels more like it is told and is more compact than it should be.

Which considering director Stefano Sollima’s previous work. He seems to always make the focus sharp but seems to limit the action which feels all over the place as it feeds into a vast conspiracy that is international and worldwide, but by the end feels way too simplified and compact.

Cinematographer Philippe Rousselot manages to make the images sumptuous enough that you can see the richness in the colors making everything vivid while being mysterious.

The film keeps your interest but by the end doesn’t feel worth it. As there are way too many conveniences. It doesn’t help that star Michael B. Jordan and co-Star Jodie Turner-Smith feel like they are in two different films and most of us would rather be in the one she’s in. As it feels stronger like her performance. Whereas Michael B. Jordan comes off as a one-note. In pure action hero mode and not a charismatic one. Is that supposed to be for him to feel more realistic?

In the end, the film is entertaining enough but never feels like it goes far enough. So that by the end it is one of the few films made from Tom Clancy’s novels that feels small scale

Grade: C-

Tag: Tom Clancy

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