Review of The Rock (1996) by Alan S — 11 May 2013

Michael Bay's second directorial outting still stands as his finest film. The Rock while not very original in certain aspects still stands as Bay's most intelligent, well acted, paced, gritty and realistic film.

The Rock features a great cast lead by Sean Connery in a great performance as the ex-British agent and only man to ever escape Alcatraz island is sent by the FBI with SEALs to infiltrate the rock and stop a renegade General from launching a deadly virus attack on San Francisco. Nicholas Cage also gives one of his better performances as the scientist sent to disarm the virus. Ed Harris is also seen as a tragic villain in certain ways for his motives but undeniably evil with his proposed threat.

The idea of the Alcatraz threat I thought to be a very good idea for an action film. The setting was perfect as well as the look and location giving it the old school gritty feel of a dungeon and a real fortress that has the intimidating look of being nearly impossible to get in or out of. The film from start to finish is exciting and action packed. From the opening heist on a government base all the way to the iconic climax on the rock with Nicolas Cage wielding the green smoke The Rock is an edge of your seat thriller. Michael Bay despite his more CGI action orientated films in later years still has always proved he is a great action sequence, cut scene director and with The Rock grounded with a realistic plot is able to pull the audience in with his shootouts, explosions and Ferrari car chase. This film is terrific entertainment.