Review of The Specialist (1994) by Rose A — 20 Aug 2011

The Specialist is a mulligan stew of a picture that's been mashed up from genres having little in common other than the common requirement of suspending disbelief: a little spy thriller, some film noir, add a portion of lone gunslinger with an aching conscience, mix in equal parts revenge tale and doomed love affair, and finish with a large portion of urban crime drama topped with a bomb. The results should taste awful, which is what a lot of critics said when the film was released in 1994. But some viewers, myself included, found the stuff addictive, like great junk food that you know you shouldn't like, but for some reason it tastes really, really good.

From the Producer of The Oceans Trilogy, Jerry Weintraub. Who is rather famous for "ensemble casts" like The Ocean's film franchise. The Specialist, pairs Sylvester Stallone and Sharon Stone. Not to mention, He also got James Woods, who gave perhaps his most deliriously unhinged performance in a career that's studded with them. Then he persuaded the one and only Rod Steiger to go over the top and beyond, playing a Cuban drug lord with an accent thicker than Al Pacino's in Scarface. Also Eric Roberts plays the Resident Bad Boys Son. Proper credit should be giving to five-time Oscar winner John Barry, the composer who created the sonic landscape for James Bond to compose one hell of a score that works so well to give balance to the film.

To me the movie was very reminiscent of Luc Besson's 'leon', due to the similar scenario. However they're differences and one should not make comparisons. Despite this the first scene set in Columbia also reminded me of a similar scene from the movie 'Scarface'. I could not help noticing these connections and I'm sure there would be many more if observed closely.

What surprises me the most is that I was so indulged in watching the movie. I found the phone conversations between the two leads very intimate and erotic. That was a high point for me. These scenes really developed more anticipation in me to looking forward to seeing them meet. It helped me to sympathise with Sharon Stone's character. But I found it difficult to relate to her experience of losing her family as in that specific scene she was very young. I'm unable to understand as to why it took so many years for her to decide to take revenge.

The plot is not groundbreaking, but Stone and James Woods presence enhances enjoyment and sustains the viewers attention. Sharon Stone entices a bomb expert to avenge her family's murder. Initially Stallone is unwilling so Stone decides to go in herself by befriending Eric Roberts, the son of mafia don played by Rod Steiger. Eventually Stallone decides to make the move. He has three targets to kill which he accomplishes with a variety of unique bombs. However later the tables are turned when Stallone discovers that he was set up by Stone as this was a plan between her and James Woods to apprehend him. However this does not prove easy to accomplish as Stone develops feelings Stallone as the two have become close.

The setting of Miami suited to the movie's theme. The nightlife and locales were pictured very nicely. This added to the movie's appeal. Initially it is difficult to feel interested with the plot, Since at times the progression comes at a slow rate. This was because Stone's character development takes up much of the running time. However after 30 minutes the pace picks up. The explosion scenes were filmed very uniquely and the different methods used were brilliant. It urges one to watch what can possibly come next and again helped by The background score which was appropriate to the movie and used at the right moments.

Sharon Stone is given the opportunity to wear a variety of different clothes. She has never looked more beautiful (although some may argue Basic Instinct or Sliver) It really suited her image. In my opinion she was the correct choice for the movie. Rod Steiger gives his impersonation of Tony Montana and Eric Roberts displays his scumbag-esque character throughout. James Woods overshadows Stallone in yet another fantastic performance. Every time he appears it is a treat to watch him. His dialogue delivery is perfect. Stallone takes a back seat and effortlessly plays it straight. His practical involvement is restricted but he never dissatisfies.

To me, The Specialist falls in the Category that you either love it or hate it. If your a fan of "Cat and Mouse" Revenge type flicks or Just a fan of Stallone you'll most likely eat this one up. It certainly isn't as bad as the critics said. "The Specialist" offers nothing special, but it's solid action entertainment. The stunts are really cool besides some faulty editing w/the stunt doubles, especially the hotel scene involving the room collapsing into the water. James Woods seems to be having the time of his life as the villain, and let's face it--you can never get enough of watching him play the hot-tempered villain. The late Rod Steiger gave a fine performance, donning a convincing Cuban accent. I like the seductive score, and I can't get enough of Gloria Estefan's rendition of "Turn the Beat Around" to close out the film. The Specialist doesn't have any surprising plot twists or turns, but I still enjoyed it and will give it a recommendation.