Review of Any Given Sunday (1999) by Chris M — 25 Sep 2009

One of the films of the Oliver Stone cannon that really ties his main themes together in an epic movie that just happens to be about a game played on a field. He tackles (excuse the pun) his love/hate relationship with "the system", the concept of a hero and how our own egos have the power to make and break us. These themes run throughout his work, but this is Stone at his turn-of-the-century best.

Acting: James Woods was superb as the team doctor with questionable ethics. Dennis Quaid (who kind of annoys me in movies) gave a good performance as well. Al Pacino needs nothing said, cause let's face it, it's Al Pacino.

Direction: Stone's style of rapid cuts and fast talking characters create not only interest in the scene, but tension...

David Mamet has said that "Drama's all about get there...what's happeing next." With the style of film making utilized here, we really care what's happening and what's about to happen to well-rounded, three dimentional characters.