Basic * (2003, John Travolta, Connie Nielsen, Samuel L Jackson, Giovanni Ribisi, Brian Van Holt) – Classic Movie Review 2961

Director John McTiernan’s all-too-basic 2003 thriller stars John Travolta and Connie Nielsen as DEA drug agents who investigate deaths in the American army.

The deaths seem to involve a sadistic sergeant, played by Samuel L Jackson. Giovanni Ribisi and Brian Van Holt play the two survivors of an army training exercise that has apparently gone tragically wrong. Each of them tell a different story about the deaths, which may be murders.

Basically, top actors die a thousand deaths in this convoluted clinker that lacks any credibility. The final twist in the tale by co-producer/writer James Vanderbilt is just plain silly.

Travolta is okay but Nielsen gives a strident, unattractive turn and Jackson has little to do, frustrating audiences who would like to see a proper reunion of the two Pulp Fiction stars. Travolta had better watch out; because this is the very kind of movie that nearly put him out of business in the 80s.

Also in the cast are Taye Diggs, Timothy Daly, Dash Mihok, Cristiân de la Fuente, Roselyn Sanchez, Harry Connick Jr, Georgia Hausserman and Margaret Travolta.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 2961

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