Search - The Assignment on DVD

Strong on Action, Equally Strong on Characterization

01/25/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This underappreciated flick is a good choice when an above-average dose of characterization is needed with the more typical car chases, explosions, and bleeding bad guys. The special effects are not quite as well done as in bigger names in the Hollywood action genre, but the movie is no less compelling for it. The plot is intelligent and advances at a rapid clip, but not too rapidly to appreciate that the director sees real people behind the characters. Aidan Quinn delivers a believable performance as a reluctant hero deeply tormented by one particular kill-or-be-killed scenario in which there can be no satisfying course of action. (A similar but better crafted exploration of the psychological toll of undercover-type work is seen in Johnny Depp's excellent performance as Donnie Brasco.) Donald Sutherland, on the other hand, turns in his usual tedious performance as. . . well, Donald Sutherland. Altogether, this is an action flick a cut above the norm. Be sure to watch it from beginning to end -- there are several intriguing twists 'n' turns."

This movie rocks right from the credits to the thrilling end

Rudolf Spoerer | Weston, FL United States | 04/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So OK it's been quite a few years since this movie has been released .... but what a pleasant and intriguing surprise ... The fact that there is speculation that it is based on fact makes the movie abou the capture of the Jakal even more interesting ... A Quinn, D Southerland and Ben Kingsley ... I mean talk about a stellar cast that DO NOT try to scene steal from each other but rather provide us with believeable and exciting characters .... You better get the beer and popcorn ready before the movie starts since you will not want to turn off the set until you see the final surprise minutes ....."

Better than surprisingly good.

John Cobb | Austin, TX | 02/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Two great actors (Ben Kingsley, Donald Sutherland) and one really good one (Aidan Quinn) give superb performances in this tight as a string thriller involving spies, lies, and the one and only CARLOS.CIA man Jack Shaw (Sutherland) masterminds a plot to get Carlos, once and for all, when he stumbles upon Annabel Ramirez(Quinn) a Navy officer and a dead ringer for the Jackal.Absolutely non-stop action and suspense, this thriller never telegraphs it's punches, twisting and turning over and over.Highest recommendation."

This classy "sleeper" should be on your list.

Ian J. Wilson MD | Columbus, Ohio | 05/08/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Despite first appearances, this is not another James Bond clone movie with generic action sequences and almost no plot: rather it is a very believable and sophisticated psychological study of loyalty, character and human violence that just happens to have a great story and painfully realistic action scenes. If you aren't drawn right into the main character's internal drama, the KGB must have worked on you first. Great performances from Aidan Quinn, Ben Kingsley & Donald Sutherland."