Review of Enemy of the State (1998) by Stephen J — 29 Jul 2016
Enemy of the State tells the story of Attorney Robert Dean, who through a series of unfortunate events, becomes the target of a corrupt National Security Agency operation aimed to maintain political influence.
Enemy of the State is a basic but solid action thriller that is carried by the on screen chemistry between Will Smith and Gene Hackman. With the exception of Smith and Hackman, the remaining characters were unimpressive.
Regina King and Lisa Bonet are certainly forgettable (if not nerve grating). Jon Voight plays the stereotypical sociopathic spook with an extra dose of cliche. Though it is a bit formulaic, the film's real success is found in its eerily prophetic concern regarding government surveillance and the accountability of those responsible for national security.
Released only three years before September 11, 2001, Scott's Enemy of the State captured the heart of a policy debate before it was once again center stage in American news and politics. Overall, an enjoyable movie.
This review of Enemy of the State (1998) was written by Stephen J on 29 Jul 2016.
Enemy of the State has generally received positive reviews.
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