CLIFFHANGER
A film review by Roger Rubio
Copyright 1993 Roger Rubio
Starring Sylvester Stallone, Janine Turner, and Michael Rooker Directed by Renny Harlin
The return of Stallone? I would assume this question is on the mind of the wary movie-goer wondering whether or not he/she should put down his/her $7-$9 and see Sly climbing on rocks and dodging bullets. Well, if you're one of those wary viewers, I have two reviews to offer you of this movie: the review for those looking for an art movie and those looking to have a good time. The first is the former, the second is the latter.
CLIFFHANGER is one those flicks that a total cynic would have a ball tearing apart and ripping to shreds. The dialogue is less than intellectually intelligent, the acting is not Oscar caliber, and sometimes you can tell that the actors are not five codzillion miles into the air hanging by their very lives. Most of the sequences are implausible, the meanie villain doesn't do most of the dirty work, and there are plenty of 'talking killers.' Lots of foreign accents too (as if only foreigners are bad). One might think that this movie is a clone of DIE HARD or the like, but ask even the most light-hearted cynic and he/she will tell you even DIE HARD was ridiculous. So why do they compare all other action flicks such as CLIFFHANGER to DIE HARD, if DIE HARD was so ridiculous? (Answer in the second review.) Yep, there's lots to ridicule in this movie, and if you go to the movies just to bitch and moan about plots, special effects, acting, blah blah blah, DON'T go see this movie.
As for the others, who like to have a good time at the movies (this excludes most cynics), CLIFFHANGER just might be a good vehicle for consideration. Most of the stunt sequences in this movie are amazing, and well worth the price of admission. The story is mediocre; it is enough to put the characters into some sticky situations, but that's about all. But the actions sequences make you feel like you're on a roller coaster (which is what I believe was the intent). Yes, Stallone does do some acting, and it is tolerable, considering his previous movies (OSCAR, STOP OR MY MOM WILL SHOOT). I believe Stallone's best acting is the subtle type, not the overtly comedic. This movie is a good way to get back into the acting fray. I don't think he's Oscar material, but if he sticks to this kind of movie he will be fine. As for the rest of the movie, the action sequences are the real star of this movie, and if you want a decent thrill, check this movie out. (By the way, cynics don't think DIE HARD was as ridiculous as they would have you believe--it's merely convenient for comparison purposes.)
I have skimmed the gamut on this movie; some see it as an adrenalin ride, others get sidetracked by Stallone and his previous movies (interestingly, not this movie, but his previous ones). If you hate Stallone, of course, don't see this one. But if you can tolerate him, or if you like him (I'm sure there are some out there--the silent minority), check this one out. It's a good romp at the movies.
THE SNAPMAN
rsnappy@hydra.unm.edu
(Roger Rubio)
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