Peacemaker, The (1997)

reviewed by
Homer Yen


 The Peacemaker - A Real American Hero
by Homer Yen
(c) 1997

This anticipated inaugural film by the newly created Dreamworks SKG production company is not a tremendous offering given the hype that has preceded its release. However, it accomplishes three improbable but ultimately satisfying things. It re-energizes the somewhat stalled career of leading lady Nicole Kidman. It gives George Clooney, that medical hearthrob from television's ER, a chance to really flex his cinematic muscles. And, it refreshes an increasingly stale plotline of stolen nuclear weapons and America as the target.

As the crisis unfolds, we are introduced to Dr. Julia Kelly (Nicole Kidman). As the acting head of the White House Nuclear Smuggling Group, she is the expert that's leading the investigation and the operation of recovering the stolen nuclear warheads. With a PhD from Harvard under her belt, she is adamant about following rules and protocols, and is the perennial cautious planner that builds in contingencies for everything. As she briefs the top brass on the intelligence that has been gathered so far, she is constantly interrupted by Thomas Devoe (George Clooney). He is an intelligence officer with the U.S. Army's special forces who believes profiteers will sell these weapons to rogue governments. Not the typical soldier, he is brash, bends rules, and takes great liberties to get what he wants including heavy bribes and savage in-your-face beatings. However, when it comes to things military, he is smart, clever, and a man of action. He gets to the point and on people's nerves too...especially those of Dr. Kelly's.

It doesn't take a degree in nuclear physics to figure out that these two are eventually paired up by the powers that be to save the world. But fortunately, the writers are able to give us two likable characters that can overcome the cliches of hardened Russians, sophisticated spy satellites, and bombs with digital readouts. The two work in unison to overcome their distaste for one another's personality and skillfully negotiate their way towards the location of the warheads. But as with all bombs with digital readouts, the audience knows that time is running out for the heroes.

The Peacemaker, which was filmed in various locales around the world, evokes the look and feel of Tom Clancy's books-turned-movies. A strong score helps to elevate the unfolding drama and the tension is constant throughout. Clooney is perfectly cast as the virtuous and honorable military fighter. He is macho. He is action-hungry. He is GI Joe. Kidman also provides good balance as they race to save the world. But despite the slick look of the movie and the constant level of excitement that is generated by the chase scenes, you'll come out with the feeling that most of what you saw was done in dozens of action movies in the recent past. Also, at times the movie seems overly complicated as if simply adding more events and chases would somehow add to the film's weight. Still, this kind of entertainment is scarce during the autumn, and you'll still be able to make peace with yourself for seeing it.

 Grade: B

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