Director: Simon West (also directed Con Air, Tomb Raider)
Main Cast: John Travolta, Madeleine Stowe, James Cromwell, James Woods, Timothy Hutton, Clarence Williams III
Genre: Big-budget thriller
Plot: An investigation unfolds surrounding the murder of the general's daughter on a military base.
Key Points
Production Quality
High Production Value: Notable for helicopters, military personnel, and a well-executed setting on a military base.
Cast Performance
John Travolta: Plays Chief Warrant Officer and is entertaining, may be over the top but adds charm.
Madeleine Stowe: Plays an investigator assisting Travolta; her character is viewed as less essential.
James Woods: Strong performance; wish he had more screen time as he brings intensity to interactions with Travolta.
Timothy Hutton: Plays a significant role; the reveal of his character’s involvement is crucial to the plot.
Supporting Cast: Solid ensemble, including Cromwell and Clarence Williams III.
Themes and Plot Elements
Military and Gender Issues: The film tackles sensitive topics regarding women in the military effectively, portraying both good and bad characters.
Twists and Turns: The storyline includes suspenseful moments, particularly regarding the motives behind the murder.
Character Dynamics
Travolta and Woods' Scenes: Noted as the highlight; intense dialogue and conflict that could have been expanded further.
Dialogue: Sharp and engaging, especially between Travolta and Woods, showcasing the tension and stakes.
Banter: Important in establishing character relationships but could potentially be improved with more depth for Stowe’s character.
Action Elements
Action Scenes: Complaints about inclusion of action scenes; however, an appreciation for their execution due to Travolta’s character's undercover work.
Explosions and Realism: Mix of practical effects and CGI; notable for effective visual storytelling.
Ending and Resolution
Finale: Timothy Hutton’s character's end raises questions; a missed opportunity for a more climactic showdown.
Ending Credits: Confusing transition between main characters; felt like there was a lack of closure.
Personal Opinions
Overall Enjoyment: The film is entertaining; doesn’t deserve criticism for acting or story.
Comparison with Other Films: Enjoys Travolta’s performances in various roles and appreciates Simon West’s better works (Con Air, Tomb Raider).
Final Thoughts: Despite some flaws, The General's Daughter stands out as an engaging thriller with a solid narrative and execution.