The Package *** (1989, Gene Hackman, Joanna Cassidy, Tommy Lee Jones, John Heard, Dennis Franz, Reni Santoni, Pam Grier) – Classic Movie Review 11,210

Director Andrew Davis’s 1989 thriller The Package stars Gene Hackman as Green Beret Sergeant Johnny Gallagher, who has to deliver a package – a psychotic court-martialled serviceman, Airborne Ranger Thomas Boyette (Tommy Lee Jones) – from Berlin to jail in America. But the package is rescued and Hackman discovers that he has escorted a political assassin. Then Hackman is forced to seek his military ex-wife Eileen Gallagher (Joanna Cassidy)’s help after he is arrested for killing Jones’s separated wife.

What we have here is a reasonably plausible and intelligent conspiracy thriller, with reliable Hackman and Jones making much out of their one-dimensional hero and villain characters. However, the mounting absurdities of the plot, sacrificing logic and tension for pace and action, cause the film to take a plunge downhill around half way, though it perks up for the lively shoot-up climax at a Chicago hotel.

This quality goods package is quickly and efficiently delivered by talented action director Davis, but alas it comes by second-class postal service.

The 4-letter words may be cut on TV.

Also in the cast are Joanna Cassidy, Tommy Lee Jones, John Heard, Dennis Franz, Reni Santoni, Pam Grier, Chelcie Ross, Ron Dean, Kevin Crowley, Ike Pappas and Thalmus Rasulala.

© Derek Winnert 2021 Classic Movie Review 11,210

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com