The Rock

As far as action films go, this movie is superb for two primary reasons:

1. Somehow Michael Bay managed to integrate a really, really badass car chase into a movie that takes place primarily in a military prison.

2. Sean Connery (John Mason) channels MacGyver.

This script was written by the guys that also wrote "Double Jeopardy" I think Erin in Action will agree that it is ironic that the guys that were able to make Ashley Judd into a badass, killing, revenge machine could only come up with Carla as Stanley Goodspeed's muse.

Brigadier General Francis X. Hummel, USMC (as played by Ed Harris) is a great character, because he is fighting a moral battle. His comparison of his hostage situation to the founding fathers is pretty weak, but I like the political implications.

I must say, I am heartbroken. When looking up John Spencer on IMDB I found out that he died two years ago of a heart attack before the age of 60. I loved him as Leo McGarry in The West Wing. Although he plays the tight-ass FBI Director James Womack, you've gotta love his personal vendetta against John Mason and the scene where Mason dangles him from the top of the hotel by a clothesline ("Watch it, you fuckhead! You'll pull my arm out!"). Fortunately this actor is forever immortalized in this brilliant, yet touching action film.