Review of The Peacemaker (1997) by Franco D — 20 Sep 2007

I am giving this the highest marks and can't understand how this failed to win more recognition both critically and commercially. The plot is derivative and simple: nukes get stolen, hero tracks them down.

But that is executed through a complex political climate - a new Russia in 1997, just post Cold War and with a rising mafia/militant Chechnya. The set pieces are imaginative and breath takingly tense; there is an epic attention to landscape - from mountains to cobbled streets; a familiar yet pounding score from Hans Zimmer and so much more.

Kidman is admittedly out of place here - not knowing whether to play tough or vulnerable, sexy or moosey. But as for Clooeny - well this is his film. Long before today's triumphs, Oscar wins and power plays, this film showed us the star he always was and which he should show us more of.

He was always such a convincing white collar professional/scientific hero ('ER', 'Three Kings' - Doctors, Army Officers..): such a shame that he now alternates between the 'worthy' ('Good Night and Good Luck', 'Syrianna') and the 'loveable rogue'/'gentleman thife' number ('Out of Sight', 'Oceans 13 -100').