Travolta, Slater bang up big screen

For any moviegoer who likes to see things explode and people get shot, this week's new release Broken Arrow is the film to see. From acclaimed action director John Woo, the film stars John Travolta and Christian Slater. The two play Air Force B-3 stealth bomber pilots Deakins (Travolta) and Hale (Slater).

The movie opens with the two men in a boxing match where they seem to be sharing a rather twisted mentor-student relationship. The film doesn't waste much time and ten minutes later they are on a test flight above Utah. It is while on this flight that Deakins attacks Hale and ejects him into the desert. He then proceeds to drop off two unarmed nuclear missiles before ejecting himself. Then, along with at least two dozen henchmen waiting for him on the ground, he begins to enact his plan to steal the warheads.

Hale, who by this time has figured out Deakins' scheme, meets up with Terry, a park ranger played by Samantha Mathis. The two then attempt to thwart the elaborate plan. Of course, since this is a John Woo movie, thwarting involves gun fights, high speed chases, explosions and good old fashioned fist fights. One running theme throughout the film was to stay away from things that fly. Four helicopters and one stealth bomber were destroyed in the movie and each had its own unique demise.

Travolta does a good job in the role of a villain. His character, Deakins, is smart, ruthless and has a good sense of humor. Even though he is trying to blow up part of the United States, you can't help but like the guy.

I was also impressed with Slater's ability in the film. I was doubtful at first that he would be able to pull off the role of action hero, but after he killed about the fifth bad guy, I was sold (though I still doubt if he could take Rambo).

Samantha Mathis' character was perhaps the film's best. Usually in action movies the female lead is only an ornament for the hero to rescue and make out with, but Mathis' character was very tough and got to kill her own share of bad guys.

If, as a moviegoer, you desire deep character development and emotion then I don't recommend this film. Neither Travolta's nor Slater's characters have much depth or background. Their relationship is not explored much and their motives are never really revealed.

Fortunately, I've never much cared for all that stuff anyway, and in a movie with almost nonstop action it matters even less. For movie fans, such as myself, who crave a well-placed spin kick or a fiery death, Broken Arrow more than delivers. The action scenes get bigger and better as the movie progresses. A mere helicopter crash is replaced by a nuclear detonation and a helicopter crash. All manners of moving vehicles are destroyed.

Also, the final scene where Deakins is finally killed is truly unique and a nice refresher to the old falling to your death. (Though for fans of this old favorite, one of the henchmen does fall off a bridge.)

If you like action and fire then this is the movie to see, and if you don't, then I still suggest it; maybe it will help you become desensitized to violence.