Speed 2: Cruise Control Review
by Jesse Kaplan (paladin AT mhv DOT net)July 24th, 1997
SPEED 2: CRUISE CONTROL A Movie review By Jesse A. Kaplan
Cast: Jason Patric, Sandra Bullock, WIlliam Defoe
In a summer of Blockbuster Movie Sequals, one of the more unnessary ones made was non other than SPEED 2. I see no reason for this movie to be made. Besides the graet explosion scenes, and there are only a few, this movie has little plot, little acting, and little enjoyment.
Sandra Bullock (A TIME TO KILL, THE NET) makes her return to the action genre as Annie, who seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Consider her DIE HARD's femals John McClane, minus his funny wisecracks and ability to fight. Considering the fact that SPEED star Keanu Reeves dropped out of the project in the early stages, replacement Jason Patric (SLEEPERS), basically plays the same role as Reeves did, a Los Angeles SWAT team member with a knack for saving the day and having no conscience onto what happens to him. This time, Patric's character Alex, is on a cruise with Annie. Little does he know that evil and insane William Defoe (CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER) is plotting to steal the ships jewels and blow up the boat because he ways layed off of his job as computer specialist for the cruise line.
You've seen this one before entering the theater so take a guess what happens. Yep thats it, Defoe out smarts the cruise ship's crew and takes control of the boat so Alex must save the day. Like I stated previously, the acting here is week. After givcing strong roles in THE NET and A TIME TO KILL, Bullock is genuinly annoying in this picture and while watching it I didn't really care what happened to her. Defoe was absolutely horrible as the mad bomber and hopefully he will stick to small, supporting roles for the future. I'm not sure how great Patric was.His character was completely one-dimentinol so there was no reason to care about him. Basically, I could have said his lines the smae and it would have made no difference. Temuera Morrison is good as Juliano, the ship's first mate. Christine Firkins is wonderful as Drew, a deaf girl who gets trapped in the underbody of the boat. She steals every scene she's in.
Beside's some great underwater shots, a couple of explosions, and Sandra Bullock in some of those outfits, SPEED 2: CRUISE CONTROL, may have a cool name, but thats about it. ** thats all.
SPEED 2 runs longer than necessary at 2:13. It is rated PG-13 for disaster action and violence.
**** = A must see film.
*** = Excellent show. Look for it.
** = Average movie. Kind of enjoyable.
* = Poor show. Don't waste your money.
0 = Totally and painfully unbearable picture.
Copyright 1997 [email protected] Jesse A. Kaplan
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