Will
Smith stars in this tight action film from director Tony Scott (Top Gun, True
Romance, Crimson Tide) that turns out to be surprisingly smart. Well, smart for
a Jerry Bruckheimer production. Yes, Enemy of the State has it's fair share of
car chases and gratuitous explosions, but it also features great performances
and a great look into the world of technology.
Smith
plays a charismatic lawyer who has it all until his life is plunged into chaos
after he learns the government desperately wants something he has. The film gives
the audience a look at all kinds of advanced high-tech devices, making for an
extremely fun ride. Gene Hackman, once again proving that he's one of our most
dependable actors, delivers another outstanding performance in a role that echoes
his role in Francis Ford Coppola's The Conversation. Hackman and Smith play off
each other wonderfully.
Tony
Scott directs with the same kind of energy he used in True Romance, zipping the
camera along barely giving the audience time to breathe. Jerry Bruckheimer is
sure to have another hit with this film, a throw-back to the kinds of films he
made with his late producing partner Don Simpson. Enemy of the State is a huge
step forward from the over-bloated, mind-numbing Armageddon.
