U.S. MARSHALS is a `spin-off' of THE FUGITIVE that works very marvelously. This film is an efficient package full of action, knockout thrills, and suspense driven entertainment. The cast works well together and newcomer Stuart Baird (whose only previous directing experience was EXECUTIVE DECISION) has managed to cleverly direct several action scenes. U.S. MARSHALS is a smashing success that has earned its recognition as a creditable action film.
Mark Sheridan (Wesley Snipes) is an ordinary man *framed* for a ghastly crime he did not commit. Sheridan consistently proclaims his innocence but after surviving (and escaping) a nearly fatal plane crash, he finds himself another fugitive on the loose...
It is up to U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones, reprising his Oscar winning role) to track down this elusive fugitive and of course, capture him. This task will not be easy...
Gerard has learned that the man he is after is wanted for the murder of two federal agents. Gerard has his hands full trying to pursue this rather stealthy fugitive. Just when Gerard has enough problems to deal with already, an ally he considers a neophyte, Special Agent John Royce (Robert Downey Jr.) has been obligated to assist Gerard and his U.S. Marshals...
From the hidden swamps to the populated city, Gerard and his team are on a cat-and-mouse hunt after Mark Sheridan...
U.S. MARSHALS works primarily for two reasons. First, the performances are believable and second, the action sequences are fiercely choreographed with expertise and grace. Character development is well planned out also. Tommy Lee Jones is terrific as the cynical U.S. Marshal Gerard who always gets cranky when he is not having any fun. Gerard knows who he is after and he is always determined to nail his suspect under any circumstances. Though Jones does not deliver an Oscar-caliber performance this time, he knows the character of Sam Gerard only too well. Robert Downey Jr. is surprisingly confident as a special agent who has his own agenda. Wesley Snipes is remarkably good too as the main character who is dedicated to clearing his own name. Snipes's character is not nearly as sympathetic as Dr. Richard Kimball (Harrison Ford), but he is a cool, intelligent guy nonetheless. It's good that this hero relies on his judgment more than his emotions. Even if Snipes may not win as much applause from the audience as Harrison Ford originally did, this character is still respectable.
The reason for this gap in the audiences' sympathy between the two fugitives is that Kimball has tragically lost a loved one. He faces the horror of losing his wife to a serial killer. In this way, audiences can commiserate with the suffering Kimball has gone through while trying to elude from the law. On the other hand, Roberts is wanted for the murder of two guys whom the audiences hardly get to meet. The audiences may root for the hero, but they could personally care less about the victims who were allegedly murdered in `cold blood' by Roberts. Neither the main character Roberts nor the audiences can feel much substantial pain for the loss of these two agents...
U.S. MARSHALS is ferocious entertainment. The action sequences are great and riveting. From the spectacular plane crash insinuating Roberts's escape to a character's daring leap (while holding on to a dangling cord) onto the top of a moving train, U.S. MARSHALS is extremely enjoyable.
Like any other decent thriller, U.S. MARSHALS still has a few shortcomings. The plot is too convoluted for its own good. Halfway through the movie, audiences may begin to be perplexed as more unnecessary characters are implicated into this case. This film could also afford to lose its contrived sub-plot about U.S. and foreign relations and not lose too much of its punch. Also, Snipes does not have as much appeal as the original fugitive, but both characters are nevertheless winningly laudable.
As far as chase thrillers are concerned, U.S. MARSHALS ranks above the rest. It is almost up to par with THE FUGITIVE. U.S. MARSHALS is a fine sequel; it is reasonably fast paced and always nail biting. It is an aggressive, skillfully made thriller with a capable cast, noteworthy action, and a complex series of events. Enjoy!
RATING: *** out of ****.
Mark Sheridan (Wesley Snipes) is an ordinary man *framed* for a ghastly crime he did not commit. Sheridan consistently proclaims his innocence but after surviving (and escaping) a nearly fatal plane crash, he finds himself another fugitive on the loose...
It is up to U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones, reprising his Oscar winning role) to track down this elusive fugitive and of course, capture him. This task will not be easy...
Gerard has learned that the man he is after is wanted for the murder of two federal agents. Gerard has his hands full trying to pursue this rather stealthy fugitive. Just when Gerard has enough problems to deal with already, an ally he considers a neophyte, Special Agent John Royce (Robert Downey Jr.) has been obligated to assist Gerard and his U.S. Marshals...
From the hidden swamps to the populated city, Gerard and his team are on a cat-and-mouse hunt after Mark Sheridan...
U.S. MARSHALS works primarily for two reasons. First, the performances are believable and second, the action sequences are fiercely choreographed with expertise and grace. Character development is well planned out also. Tommy Lee Jones is terrific as the cynical U.S. Marshal Gerard who always gets cranky when he is not having any fun. Gerard knows who he is after and he is always determined to nail his suspect under any circumstances. Though Jones does not deliver an Oscar-caliber performance this time, he knows the character of Sam Gerard only too well. Robert Downey Jr. is surprisingly confident as a special agent who has his own agenda. Wesley Snipes is remarkably good too as the main character who is dedicated to clearing his own name. Snipes's character is not nearly as sympathetic as Dr. Richard Kimball (Harrison Ford), but he is a cool, intelligent guy nonetheless. It's good that this hero relies on his judgment more than his emotions. Even if Snipes may not win as much applause from the audience as Harrison Ford originally did, this character is still respectable.
The reason for this gap in the audiences' sympathy between the two fugitives is that Kimball has tragically lost a loved one. He faces the horror of losing his wife to a serial killer. In this way, audiences can commiserate with the suffering Kimball has gone through while trying to elude from the law. On the other hand, Roberts is wanted for the murder of two guys whom the audiences hardly get to meet. The audiences may root for the hero, but they could personally care less about the victims who were allegedly murdered in `cold blood' by Roberts. Neither the main character Roberts nor the audiences can feel much substantial pain for the loss of these two agents...
U.S. MARSHALS is ferocious entertainment. The action sequences are great and riveting. From the spectacular plane crash insinuating Roberts's escape to a character's daring leap (while holding on to a dangling cord) onto the top of a moving train, U.S. MARSHALS is extremely enjoyable.
Like any other decent thriller, U.S. MARSHALS still has a few shortcomings. The plot is too convoluted for its own good. Halfway through the movie, audiences may begin to be perplexed as more unnecessary characters are implicated into this case. This film could also afford to lose its contrived sub-plot about U.S. and foreign relations and not lose too much of its punch. Also, Snipes does not have as much appeal as the original fugitive, but both characters are nevertheless winningly laudable.
As far as chase thrillers are concerned, U.S. MARSHALS ranks above the rest. It is almost up to par with THE FUGITIVE. U.S. MARSHALS is a fine sequel; it is reasonably fast paced and always nail biting. It is an aggressive, skillfully made thriller with a capable cast, noteworthy action, and a complex series of events. Enjoy!
RATING: *** out of ****.
