Andrew Sandoval
Staff Writer
Review
U.S. Marshals, a sequel of sorts to the immensely successful 1993 film The Fugitive, starts off at a slow pace and begs many questions. Once the plot begins to unravel, though, the film morphs into a tale as compelling as the original.
Many sequences in this follow-up to the taut Harrison Ford- vehicle seem like a repetition of some of the best scenes from that first film. Two of the most exciting escape scenes from The Fugitive are repeated with minor differences.
Initially, the plot of U.S. Marshals also seems eerily familiar. After the first quarter or so, though, the film takes a stand for itself. While the first movie emphasizes the chase of a fugitive, U.S. Marshals keeps the audience guessing at all times. It presents very few moments of certainty. U.S. Marshals makes you think about what the next step will be. Is Sheridan innocent, and if he is, who is setting him up?
Tommy Lee Jones' Sam Gerard is not exactly the same person we encountered in The Fugitive. His character has a sense of humor, smiles and even feels compassion for his partners. In The Fugitive, Gerard's only redeeming characteristic as his perseverance in capturing his prey.
At first it seems as if Jones' character has been replaced by a joyful father figure who lets his subordinates get away with jokes and pranks. A very ridiculous scene occurs when Gerard goes undercover dressed in a chicken costume. The stoic, stone figure in The Fugitive would never be caught in a situation like this.
This film's nemesis, Sheridan (Wesley Snipes), is a worthy adversary for Gerard, even though not much information is initially revealed about him. Eventually, he does transform into a more appealing person. His cleverness and athleticism make him a good match for the obsessive Gerard.
Slowly, Sheridan's identity is revealed, and he turns out to be more than an average tow-truck driver with a gun. He uses technology, disguises and the help of his girlfriend Marie (Irene Jacob) to escape the authorities.
Another surprise is the performance of Robert Downey Jr. He plays John Royce, a cocky government agent. Downey, who is frequently cast in comedies and sappy dramas, proves himself a talented tough guy here.
U.S. Marshals goes a step further than most action movies. What makes this film stand out is the cleverness of the characters and plot. The way in which information is presented makes the movie more intriguing and satisfying than your average Lethal Weapon.
Screenwriter John Pogue does a good job in making a new movie with the hinds of an old one so clearly visible. It may first come off as a rehash, but a constant feeling of uneasiness makes U.S. Marshals a strong, exciting action movie.