The Edge Review
by "Michael J. Legeros" (legeros AT pagesz DOT net)October 10th, 1997
The Edge (1997)
A movie review by Michael J. Legeros
Copyright 1997 by Michael J. Legeros
(Fox)
Directed by Lee Tamahori
Written by David Mamet
Cast Anthony Hopkins, Alec Baldwin, Elle Macpherson, L.Q. Jones, Harold Perrineau
MPAA Rating "R" (presumably for violence and language) Running Time 117 minutes
Reviewed at General Cinemas at Pleasant Valley, Raleigh, NC (26SEP97)
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THE EDGE is an okay thriller about a billionaire bookworm (Anthony Hopkins) and a swinging-dick fashion photographer (Alec Baldwin) who, along with one of the hired help, get stranded sans provisions in the Alaskan wild, miles from their middle-of-nowhere lodging, where the rich man's model wife (Elle Macpherson, contributing to the local supply of timber) and the rest of their party is waiting. The catch? Well, there are a couple. First, the younger dude may or may not have dangerous designs on Mrs. Money Bags. Second, that seemingly unassuming old guy is actually a fount of knowledge-- theoretical, at least-- on the sub- ject of outdoor survival. Third, it's bear season. And, when one of those 1800-pound monsters gets a taste for human flesh, well, guess who gets eaten first.
As directed by Lee Tamahori (MULHOLLAND FALLS, ONCE WERE WARRIORS), from a script by David Mamet of all people, THE EDGE doesn't have much of one. The various elements, while admittedly intriguing, never gel into a compelling, cohesive whole. Hopkins delivers a thoughtful per- formance, while his costar slogs through a much murkier characteriza- tion. What do these men *really* mean to each other? Who knows, but they *do* get to engage in one whammo of a bear fight. However unaf- fecting the first and final reels are-- did they have to reveal *all* of the survivalist secrets in those first few scenes?-- the big battle is probably worth the matinee price of admission. I mean, when will you ever again get to see Hopkins, a live bear, and a handmade spear sharing the same frame? Breathtaking scenery, too.
Grade: C+
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Mike Legeros - Movie Hell
http://www.nonvirtual.com/hell/
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