DAYLIGHT
A film review by Paul Miller
Copyright 1996 Paul Miller
When I got to the ticket window, I thought to myself, after Stallones' last film (the bomb Judge Dredd), do I really want to plop down $5 to get in to see his new one DAYLIGHT. I did, and am thankful for it.
Daylight starts out with two shady guys argueing about getting rid of toxic chemicals in New Jersey. The deal between the two is made and the chemicals are taken away, down the Holland Tunnel. (If you don't know this is the underwater tunnel that links New York to New Jersey).
In the next scene, some punks steal a car from a business man. The cops catch up to these punks and they try to get away. By doing this, they wreck. And wouldn't you know it, right into the explosive toxic waste. Well, a fire (very similar to the ones in Independence Day) engulfs the whole tunnel. Few people are still alive. And on top of that, the Tunnel has collaped on the ends and is barely still standing in the middle.
Bring in Sly. He's an ex-EMF operator and was for some reason or another fired (they do explain why in the movie) and is now a cab driver. He finds a way to enter the tunnel to tries to lead the group of about a dozen to safety.
That as far as I'm going to go with plot details. Here's why I enjoyed this movie:
1. Sly shows acting skills in what I thought was just going to be another "Sly" action movie. Don't get me wrong, I love Cliffhanger, etc, but you really need to know how to act when you have special effects on your side.
2. Special effects. Yes, I know this sounds like a contradiction, but the special effects were first rate! This are some of the best special effects I have seen in a long time. The fire especially amazed me!
and
3. Twists in the action. You think everyone is going to die, or do you? You think everyone is going to pull through, somehow they will find a way, or will they? This constant thought and suspence makes you have to think through this movie.
I thought this was a super movie with outstanding special effects and good acting. I would recommend it to anyone.
(*** of 4 stars)
Paul's Scale
**** - If you haven't seen this movie, something is terribly wrong. *** - Excellent movie! Take an afternoon off work and take in this flick. ** - Don't waste your money * - Your reputation will be ruined if you are seen at this movie.
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