This movie is an absolute crap from the word go. All the important highlights of this movie are apart from the story, and acting. This movie is no different from any run of the mill , commando operation movies that are churned out by Hollywood.Its a case of typical lucky brat , escaping form the noose of death, and spiced up a bit with a brush of nationalistic fervour, and glam of navy and flashy planes .
Its a story of 2 navy pilots on a reconnasiance mission , getting trapped in fishy waters .This time the setting is based in Bosnia .With one navy pilot ruthlessly shot down, the whole movie runs on expected lines with the other one making it against all odds , with usual narrow misses amidst the barrage of missiles and gun shots flying all over the heads and ears , except hte target where its intended. Gene Hackman , is reduced to a role of an affectionate father , than a gritty commander in chief. SOme dialogues like ’’ we will be there , SON , to rescue you ’’, ’’..We are there for you , KID’’ looks absolutely stupid. Imagine a navy commander addressing his officers as ’’KID’’ and ’’SON’’, thereby making it look like a family drama, than a engrossing action movie. The movie coveys a message that the rescue mission of a US marine is far more precious than any other political repurcussions it can impact futher on.
Inspite of all this, there are some eyecatching points. This is one of the rare movies that is shot in the backdrop of Bosnia conflict.The harsh terrain and weather, the glimpses of bullet ridden abondoned houses razed down to the ground which looks like ghost towns, the tragedy that can inflcit serious harm/death due to unexploded bombs/landmines strewn all over the place, mass graves , and sadly the people who are caught between the cross fire of enemy lines.
Overall, better take a walk , rather than watching this stale movie!!