paudieconnolly

The assassin or Point of No Return is a remake of a French film. Having not seen Nikita I cannot compare it with the original. But has always been a film I've enjoyed.

A very 90s concept of a criminals death being faked to become this undercover agent. At a time filled with such films as RoboCop this fits right in.

Bridget Fonda leads the cast is brilliant as the once criminal turned agent. Gabriel Byrnes has her handler is a strong edition to the cast (even though we always felt like part of his story is missing from the final film )

from the opening moments there are surprise appearances by now big actors Michael Rapaport has only moments on screen at the beginning but is the main presence in those moments.

With shades of later Pulp Fiction victor the cleaner is played by Harvey keital .

Dermot Mulroney as he done many times in his career plays the love interest.

Anne Bancroft is imposing has the etiquette teacher to the young ass assassin.

Far from a masterpiece but in typical 90s fashion if you're willing to go along for the ride an easy film to view . You don't have to overthink with some good performances and surprise appearances and a strong story.

John Steinbeck's classic novel is brought to life. The story of America's Depression-era of the 1930s where to be young fit and able life is hard.

But to be different to be slow to understand, to be broken of body or mind, or to be feeble with age to be a different colour or just being a woman made you a second-class citizen.

The story is told through the eyes of two men Director and star Gary Sinise has George A Man trying to survive himself while watching out for his simple friend. John Malkovich has Lenny brilliantly portrays this child like giant in this heartbreaking tale of two companions.

With so many smaller side story's. Rewatching you realise Steinbeck was looking past these two men into how society treats all its people.

With a number of cameo very important parts with equally heartbreaking situations it makes you think about how hard life was then and makes you wonder, have we improved as a society .if you're on the outside of mainstream.

Brilliant film that will make you think every time you watch it.

For the first third of the movie you feel like you're watching an instant classic Matt Damon has John Grady cole leads the movie. Lucas black shines and steals the show as the young run away in a performance worthy of a better movie.

Henry Thomas completes the trio on an adventure heading south of the border for the best part of the film.

Director Billy Bob Thornton make such a switch in pace that begins to feel like a different movie done in a different style from the first third. While Penelope Cruz has Alejandra Villarreal is mesmerising in her role. It is from her first appearance the director makes a notable and unnecessary switch. A once engaging movie now become slow paced and hard stick with.

Appearances from Sam Shepard Robert Patrick Bruce Dern Ruben Blades Complete an all-star cast though briefly on-screen having memorable moments.