The Peacemaker (1997)

Now this was a movie for all who enjoy beautiful people (Clooney even sporting several uniforms) trying to save the world.

Though this movie is nowhere near a classic, it still provides some fun. The repertoire between Clooney and Kidman is not bad, though Clooney is given most of the panache and solutions, so it hardly makes for an even match between the pair. That Kidman is most efficient and in her own (somewhat boring) way brilliant never amounts to the same interest.

The political angle is decent yet far from original. The military parts even better, with extreme tempo and quick decisions (until one is very needed).

An extra bonus is the suspense in action-scenes. They are mostly very effective and light up the screen when applied, whether it's strictly military, racing big German cars in Vienna or sniping on Manhattan (the end-scene is a bit tedious though).

The villain, however, remains somewhat of a problem. The director, Mimi Leder, apparently tries to make him a character with whom the audience can relate, and fails. You really don't and he just comes across as a lunatic despite all the time spent explaining his motives.

Hans Zimmer arguably wrote some of his best music for this film. And the use of Chopin as part of the villain's explanation is absolutely and remarkably brilliant.

Armin Mueller-Stahl brings his usual grace to his part and makes for a brilliant Russian colonel but his role is short and when Devoe in the apt hands of George Clooney is the only character we can really relate to, Leder fails to make this much more than one-dimensional action. And as that, this is quite sufficient.

6/10