Review of Eraser (2014) by Steven V — 16 Apr 2009

Eraser is a movie typical of its genre. Casting Arnold Schwarzenegger for the lead instantly gives the main character, U.S. Marshal John 'The Eraser' Kruger, a personality of his own. Though nothing is ever known of his background, even by the end credits, that doesn't matter.

Dialogue is used mainly for two purposes: to explain the unfolding saga of the federal scandal in the movie and for the ever-composed and ever-cool Arnold Schwarzenegger to calm Lee Cullen (Vanessa Williams), a key witness in the scandal saga.

Instead, what drives the movie is the action sequences and Arnold Schwarzenegger's resourcefulness in a myriad of combat situations where he always finds himself out manned, outgunned, and beaten to the first punch, yet always manages to gain the upper hand.

Vanessa Williams does an excellent job, and in many ways, is forced to be more of an "actor," per Se, than Arnold Schwarzenegger. She has to display a wide array of emotions, from sadness, to fear, to regret, to resolve, and even anger, while Arnold Schwarzenegger is only called on to mainly display the final two.

James Caan is legitimately a scumbag in his role as U.S. Marshal Robert Deguerin and James Coburn, in a smaller role, is fatherly to U.S. Marshal John 'The Eraser' Kruger as WitSec Chief Beller.

Solid, unspectacular performances all around, save that of James Caan, who borders on something more. The action in this movie is incredible for its time. The rail guns are visually impressive if not scientifically plausible and Arnold Schwarzenegger's combat ingenuity gives flavor and style to the action sequences.

Chuck Russell seems to show a bizarre fixation with bloody puncture wounds throughout, but does show some creativity of his own in placing Arnold Schwarzenegger in clever combat situations where he can use his mind to outsmart his many more-heavily-armed enemies.

Chuck Russell also plays with the moviegoer in several situations, making it unclear whether or not U.S. Marshal John 'The Eraser' Kruger is alive after several close calls. This keeps moviegoers on the edge of their seats for the nonstop thrill ride that rarely pauses to take a breath.

From the first scene to the last, explosions, shooting, and violence are the norm, and it is not meant to be any other way.