U.S. Marshals (1998, DVD)

"US Marshals" is the follow-up to "The Fugitive," with Tommy Lee Jones reprising his role as a specialist in tracking fugitives. This time, his prey is Wesley Snipes, a tow-truck operator apparently falsely accused of a double murder. Mix in some international operatives, secretive government agencies, traitors, sidekicks, and a beautiful French girl and you've got one instant thriller.

The film is one long chase, and I love chase movies. However, one thing that it never achieved was the feeling of utter desperation for the chasee that is necessary to really get the audience breathing hard. Snipes character always seems like he can handle the situation, however competent Jones is. So if it weren't for comparisons with its predecessor, "The Fugitive," this movie would probably rate higher.

The initial escape sequence is awesome, putting it one up on the escape from the train in "Fugitive." This long sequence is spectacular in its effects and excitement. There were also a bunch of nice "make you jump in your seat" surprises throughout the movie that were well edited, cause I usually don't fall for that tactic.

Jones puts in his usual solid performance as an ultra-competent (aren't all his characters?) federal marshal, but since he is the main character this time, we get to see the human side of the relentless pursuer. Snipes is physically more believable that Harrison Ford in pulling the stuff he does during his flight. Robert Downey, Jr. is also in this movie as a young agent. (When did they let him out of jail for this?)

See this movie for some good solid entertainment and thrills. Not much here in terms of themes and all that high-brow stuff, though.


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