The General’s Daughter (1999)

By Newguy

Director: Simon West

Writer: Christopher Bertonlini, William Goldman (Screenplay) Nelson Demille (Novel)

Starring: John Travolta, Madeleine Stowe, James Cromwell, Timothy Hutton, Leslie Stefanson, Daniel Von Bargen, James Woods, Clarence Williams III

 

Plot: When well-known and well respect General Joseph Campbell’s (Cromwell) daughter is found dead Paul Brenner (Travolta) and Sara Sunhill (Stowe) are called into investigate. Everything is not as it seems as the pair find themselves trapped in a world cover-ups.

 

Verdict: Cover-ups, that leads to conspiracies

Story: Mystery thrillers always need to keep you guessing to be remembered and this really does offer plenty of different options for you to think about throughout. It also shows how military can try to keep thinks in house to protect themselves from bad press. In the end the story looks like it is about to be complete when suddenly it opens more doors that it had closed. (8/10)

 

Actor Review: John Travolta – Warr. Off. Paul Brenner an undercover CID officer who gets called into solving this crime as he current case closes. A bad solider, but a great policeman which side will he end up siding for. Good from John gets to use small parts of his charm even through the more serious side of the story. (8/10)

 

Actor Review: Madeleine Stowe – Warr. Off. Sara Sunhill a rape counselor and former partner of Paul, who works on the case in her own way. Good performance from Madeleine but sometimes gets overshadowed by John. (7/10)

Actor Review: James Cromwell – Lt Gen Joseph Campbell a well-respected who could enter the world of politics but after his daughter’s death things may change. When you see Cromwell’s name on any film you expect to see an authority figure and he always nails it. (8/10)

 

Actor Review: Timothy Hutton – Col William Kent head of the military police who picks Paul and Sara to uncover the truth. Good supporting role that doesn’t offer enough through the story even though he is important to conclusion. (6/10)

 

Actor Review: Leslie Stefanson – Capt. Elizabeth Campbell the victim and her haunting past has led to the outcome. Used mostly in flashbacks but plays the haunted character very well. (8/10)

 

Actor Review: James Woods – Col Robert Moore, Elizabeth’s mentor who even though knows more than he lets on what betray her trust. Good performance from Woods who is always good for s support role. (8/10)

 

Actor Review: Clarence Williams III– Col George Fowler, General Campbell’s second hand man who will follow him to the grave. Good performance that shows loyalty at it’s very best. (8/10)

Director Review: Simon West – Good direction to create a mystery that just keeps you guessing. (8/10)

 

Crime: Haunting crime committed and solving it takes all of what Paul has. (9/10)

Thriller: Keeps you guessing from start to finish. (9/10)

Believability: Seems the overall story is not, but I the idea it could happen to a female soldier could be. (1/10)

Chances of Tears: No (0/10)

Settings: The military base makes a great setting as everyone is against an outsider trying to solve a problem in the base. (9/10)

Suggestion: I think this is one to try, the subject matter could be hard for some people to watch. (Try It)

 

Best Part: The mystery.

Action Scene Of The Film: The boat gun battle.

Oscar Chances: No

Chances of Sequel: No

 

Overall: Military Murder Mystery

Rating