Pretending this is a movie starring Johnny Drama makes it so much more enjoyable.
Also, after seeing Bruce Willis sleepwalk through so many of these types of films is refreshingly entertaining to see Mel Gibson be so effortlessly cool despite being given nothing to work with in this. Good on you, Mel.
From what I had heard during production, I was hoping for a dramatic story complimented by great action.
However, what I got was what I've come to expect from Ryan Connolly: a well-choreographed if somewhat clichéd action set piece lacking in emotional connection and clear storytelling.
I like Ryan Connolly as a person and a teacher, but I'm still waiting for him to show me what he can do as a full-fledged storyteller. I guess I'm still waiting for him to tell his story.
I do prefer the original theatrical cut to this, mostly because I feel the French sequence tanks the pace when we should be ramping up to Col. Kurtz camp. However, it was an amazing experience seeing this masterpiece in cinema in IMAX.
