John Moore needs to decide on a directing style. Behind Enemy Lines could have been an enjoyable popcorn fluff film full of patriotism for a country that can't seem to get enough of that sentiment. Instead it is a shoddy mess of directing styles matched with a story line from the guys who gave us the moronic Wild Wild West and laughable Mission to Mars. Moore can't decide if he wants to be Speilberg with his Saving Private Ryan-esque dropped frame battle scenes, the Wachowski brothers with a Matrix style slow motion close-ups, Ridley Scott with the Enemy of the State views from a satellite, or Darren Aronofsky with his very brief use of the up close head shots. All of this coupled with a cliche-ridden script with poor dialog makes for a terrible viewing experience. Hackman and Wilson are in top form but are really just killing time here before filming The Royal Tenenbaums. Hackman and Wilson aside, most of the acting is terrible. The extras seem to be pulled off the street over acting every step of the way. All in all, a very poor film with subject matter that deserves better treatment. If you want patriotism, stay home and rent Red Dawn instead.
Review of Behind Enemy Lines
