JTazz & jdb_educator:
Collateral Damage

           There was a time when Schwarzenegger wouldn't be caught dead in a film like this, where the stunts and special effects are not first-rate and script is poorly written. However, since his recent films have not performed well at the box office, he's not able to pick and choose the best directors and producers as he once did. Too bad, this is a film that is right for the national mood. A fireman for a hero, seeking revenge against a terrorist. What could resonate better with the American psyche in these perilous, frustrating times? This film, of course, was made prior to September 11, but the opening was delayed several months out of respect for the victims of those terrorist attacks.

           Schwarzenegger plays the fireman, action hero, Gordon Brewer, whose wife and son are murdered by a terrorist bomb. The government seems powerless to deal with the terrorist, Claudio "The Wolf" Perrini (played by Cliff Curtis of "Training Day"), so Brewer heads to Columbia to find him and to dispense his own kind of justice. Not only does Brewer have to get to Columbia without the proper government traveling papers, but also he has to elude Perrini's guerilla force, the local police and the CIA, headed by rogue agent Peter Brandt (Elias Koteas of "Novocaine"). Brandt is one of many morally ambiguous characters in the film.

           The story requires a big suspension of disbelief. In one scene, Brewer gets thrown into a seedy Columbian jail, but the guards let him keep his money. In another scene, Brewer and his men suddenly have breathing masks and air tanks in a burning building, when they didn't have the equipment seconds before. Brewer is captured several times, but always manages to escape without being harmed. He is able to quickly track down Perrini, when the CIA, with all of its resources and all of its men, can't. The special effects are also sloppy. In one scene, there is supposed to be a fire in a room outside of the stairwell where Brewer is hiding. One can see the image shake in the doorway, indicating a blue screen, or similar kind of effect that was added later in the production process.

           Schwarzenegger, bulging biceps and all, is also getting a little old for this action hero stuff. He is old enough to qualify for membership in the American Association of Retired Persons. When Arnold sinks to the level of beating up women for money, it is pretty sad. I wouldn't blame Schwarzenegger for the mediocrity of this film; however, there is plenty of blame to go around. Schwarzenegger does his usual stoic acting job, but he needs help to carry the story. Unfortunately, some of the best actors in the film, John Leguizamo of "Moulin Rouge!" and John Turturro of "O Brother Where Art Thou?" are not given much to do. They are on screen for all too brief a time. All the characters, except for Brewer, are shallow, and they are not given the opportunity to develop. There is a twist or two at the end of the film, but not enough to make it really interesting, and one of the twists is an unbelievably sick method for creating an adoption opportunity. The result of the twist defies credulity, even more than the rest of the plot. This film rates a C.

March 5, 2002. jdb_educator: -- JTazz, Did we watch the same film? Or are you taking indigestion pills before you catch the flicks? This is a good popcorn movie with some thoughtful consideration of terrorism and its causes.

           Schwartzenegger takes risks in his films. Some actors don't. There are explosions galore. It starts with a bang and ends with unexpected twists. Character development newly stretches Arnold's performance better than before. There is more real emotion in his character than any previous solid action hero he has portrayed. The two ladies I briefly interviewed at our local theater after the movie leaped to that point when asked their views on the movie. And both of them found it as satisfying a film experience as did my wife and I. My wife, when asked, "what stood out in the film?" told me: " Schwartzenegger " Asked anything else? The story, I really liked it." I have to agree, though, there are problems. It is not a perfect film. I'll get to those problems in a bit!

           You say the characters are flat. I disagree there too! Especially, (puffing up), you say: Schwartzenegger, bulging biceps and all, is also getting a little old for this action hero stuff..." Not true! NEVER!!! LOL I look forward to him "taking action" in an old folks home when he is in his 70's! In this one he takes believable damage, has the usual impossible escapes, but his character development and emotion are the true prizes here. The unstoppable determination is part of the American dream. There are other characters that are well developed other than Brewer. Francis Neri plays Selena and is a surprise. The wolf's development is more limited and his character is best explained by others, who provide the depth and insights. That is good script writing. I agree that Agent Brandt could have used some more on screen use but he did maximize what film time he had and had a few true patriotic, yet torn between needs, moments. He provided unexpected support for Brewer that made him somewhat sympathetic and helped to move the plot forward. Politics is generally portrayed n the way most US citizens believe the government to be. This idea being that our government doesn't really care for people, they are only protecting their own and out for themselves. It is an often untrue characterization, but reflects the basic disgust so many Americans have toward American government. The French and other countries have often puzzled about American naiveté as they ponder the question "Why would anyone expect government to be honest." LOL if the French understood us, they wouldn't have to puzzle over it. Simply put, we honestly believe in the concept "Government of the people, by the people, for the people."

           Ok, I promised to discuss problems. I much prefer to rave about what I like. You say: "Unfortunately, some of the best actors in the film, John Leguizamo of "Moulin Rouge!" and John Turturro of "O Brother Where Art Thou?" are not given much to do." I have to agree. Their characters are unremarkable and fell out of my mind quickly.

           As far as Directors, I think this guy isn't bottom of the line. He directed Chain Reaction and Under Siege, two memorable action flicks that I saw. His current project is Under Siege 3, which suggests the director is the one going down hill. Later in the movie the director resorts to the tried, true, proven and been done tactics rather than creating something new. That was my biggest problem with his direction and the film over all.

           As far as the technical observations you make on special effects, I'll pass that one to you with kudos for noticing. I did not notice any blunders, as I was so caught up in the storyline. I'll look for them when I get the DVD. On balance he did a creditable job, but takes a hit or two for the ending. As far as profitably, four weeks into release it has pulled down 3.9 million for March 3rd weekend and has grossed 37.6 million over all. This one may not make budget, but is still the 15th top grossing film as I write this column. Take a look at the cast: for links and details on each person below. It is a cool site!

Explosive, surprising, another Big bang for Swartzenegger: Definite B rating here. jdb_educator for CVN

The Main Cast