Review of The Rookie (1990) by Lauri M — 14 Dec 2008

Early 90s action fare that shows an aging Clint Eastwood trying to keep up with the younger generation, in this case, the then relative newcomer Charlie Sheen. Most of the melodramatic, cliched plot devices date it somewhat to the "Lethal Weapon" period, and the dialogue can be truly awful, but it is still an action-packed, entertaining film.

The bizarre "rape" of the then 60 year-old Eastwood is a completely unnecessary scene, but seems to be there to prove that the film icon still has what it takes to be in a leading role. An incredible car chase scene and implausible, over-the-top violence punctuated by a bit of humor round out this otherwise conventional action film.

Worth a rental and a weekend viewing.