I still refuse to believe that I did not watch this movie until last night. It’s got all the ingredients I love and it seems reasonable to assume television stations would jump at an opportunity to air it. Especially when you consider the fact it’s more than 25 years old. However, some movies you just miss. And that’s exactly why Subversive Rabbit is here to recommend them. U.S. Marshals is an exciting, action-packed, and gripping thriller featuring an excellent cast and even better stunts. It’s a stand-alone sequel to a highly popular The Fugitive meaning you can just jump right into it.
We will be following a game of cat and mouse between US Marshals and a dangerous criminal on the run. Just like in the first part, the action starts pretty much right away. No bullshit intros, no padding, and boring character development, just wham bam here we go. Moreover, the movie pays homage to the 1993 classic by taking some of its iconic scenes to a whole nother level. I’m going to be completely honest here and tell you that U.S. Marshals is a better movie than The Fugitive. Sure, the main story is a bit wobbly but everything else is superior.
Including the atmosphere that’s not as cheesy and silly as it was in the original. You have to remember that Dr. Richard Kimble was looking for a one-armed man who killed his wife and framed him for it. Now, that fact alone says a lot about that movie. Here, things are much more realistic but also quite entertaining. Okay, okay, the moment you see Tommy Lee Jones dressed as a giant chicken that argument goes out of the window. I better say the silliness here is reserved for just a couple of scenes. The bitter-sweet ending proves that definitively.
While the conspiracy angle was relatively hidden in The Fugitive, here it’s in the open relatively early on. Once more we will enjoy the almost constant suspense and mystery. Moreover, this time you won’t know who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. I have to say that the final reveal was a bit underwhelming. Luckily, by that time, I was thoroughly entertained, as I’m sure you will be too. If there’s something I love, it’s these big and pompous action scenes from nineties thrillers. And here they’re fucking awesome, especially the first one that’s a work of art.
Pay close attention to its start and completely logical escalation that’s simultaneously exhilarating and gripping. It’s interesting to note that the director of this movie, Stuart Baird (Executive Decision) was also the editor on another action-packed thriller. I consider the 2006 movie Casino Royale a turning point when it comes to the action scenes and sequences. Directed by Martin Campbell, it features stunning stunts that blew me away the first time I saw them. Shot in 66 locations, U.S. Marshals is a huge movie.
The chase will take us to huge cities, small towns, lakes and swamps. And all of these locations will look great. If I had to pick one, I would have to say that the swamp scenes were my favorite. For just one scene, when the Marshals are following Chen, the production used more than 700 extras. Tommy Lee Jones reprises his role while instead of Harrison Ford we get a true nineties star Wesley Snipes. I have to say that he’s one of the most underrated actors of that decade. Joining them is none other than Robert Downey Jr. who was excellent as the DSS Special Agent John Royce.
He filmed U.S. Marshals while struggling with drug addiction and serious legal issues. And he still gave pretty damn good performance. I also simply have to mention ravishing Irène Jacob who plays Wesley’s girlfriend. I just wish there were more scenes with her. You can also count on the Tommy’s whole team to make a return and that’s about it. Oh yeah, it was so cool to see everybody’s favorite big guy Donald Gibb (Revenge of the Nerds) who plays the huge criminal Mike Conroy.
The movie was not a huge financial success like its predecessor and this the reason why we didn’t get the third part of Gerard’s adventures. Which is a shame because this would’ve been a great franchise you could milk for decades. Finally, if you’re looking for more movies like this check out Enemy of the State, The Jackal, and Con Air.
Director: Stuart Baird
Writers: Roy Huggins, John Pogue
Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Wesley Snipes, Robert Downey Jr., Joe Pantoliano, Irène Jacob, Michael Paul Chan
Fun Facts: In the original script, Tommy Lee Jones was supposed to be disguised as a priest but director Stuart Baird and costume designer Louise Frogley decided to change into a chicken outfit. The decision was the right one and those scenes still stand out.
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IMDb Link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120873/
