Review of Enemy of the State (1998) by Parker M — 25 Apr 2010
2.5 Stars out of 4.
I don't feel dumber after watching Enemy of the State, but I definitely don't feel any smarter. Tony Scott's film had such potential to pull you into government secrecies but instead he centralizes the film around the action -- the car chases, the explosions, and the gun shots amuck. Enemy of the State runs on great performances but also on colossal contrivances. Everything seems so played out, it is as if Scott is dealing us a new pair of cards that have not been shuffled. He will build at a predictable pace that leads to that eventual wildcard payoff. But Smith and Hackman are terrific and Tony Scott, as sensationalized as this film is, really induces the paranoia by revealing all the devices that are used as espionage and can penetrate our private lives. Enemy is loud and almost obnoxious at times, but it is one contrived fun time.
I SAY--Rent It.
This review of Enemy of the State (1998) was written by Parker M on 25 Apr 2010.
Enemy of the State has generally received positive reviews.
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