Name: Retro Film Review: The Patriot (1998)
Item: The Patriot
Rating: 50
Author: @drax

(source:tmdb.org)

Steven Seagal's acting ability is matched by the subtlety in which his action films are used to promote various political and cultural causes. Seagal was rather consistent with that throughout his career, so those who watch his films are aware what they can expect. And most of those who watch two Seagal's films in a row usually don't think of such characteristic as inexcusable flaws. This kind of tolerance would serve very well those who want to watch The Patriot, 1998 action film directed by Dean Semler.

In this film Seagal plays Wesley McLaren, biological warfare expert who used to work for CIA before being disgusted with government policies and settling down in small Montana town of Ennis. He lives there with daughter Holly (played by Camilla Belle) and best friend Frank (played by L.Q. Jones) and earns his living as country doctor. Peace of the community is being disturbed by the siege of compound held by Floyd Chisolm (played by Gaillard Sartan), charismatic leader of right-wing militia. Chisolm suddenly surrenders, but it turns out that he had himself infected with deadly virus stolen from secret government laboratory. In the ensuing chaos, Floyd's followers liberate their leader and try to blackmail authorities with the previously acquired antidote. The antidote turns out to be less powerful than previously thought so everyone, including McLaren, is forced to seek alternative solution. Holly, together with few more people, is inexplicably immune to the virus. McLaren sets her free from the hands of terrorists and begins race against time to find the explanation that could save thousands of lives.

The Patriot is the most popular Stevean Seagal's film among those who don't like Steven Seagal. This is simply because it was the first Seagal's film to be released straight to video, thus marking the demotion of Seagal in Hollywood's star hierarchy. However, this "straight-to video" status actually works in film's favour. The audience expects very little of this film and have very few opportunities to be disappointed. The script by John Sussman and John Kingswell is full of cliches, while the plot holes are big enough for German Panzer divisions to drive through. Villains in this film show incredible levels of stupidity, but this again works in film's favour because many viewers could see The Patriot as unintentional self-parody. Even the action is toned down, allowing the plot and characters to develop, together with plenty of opportunity for Seagal to rant against US government, environmental pollution and commercialised healthcare. Those "political correct" views are expressed in combination with pathos and mild humour. But the best impression is left by Stephen F. Windon's cinematography that puts Montana locations to good use. For those who don't expect much from films and those comfortable with Seagal's previous works, The Patriot could be hour and half well spent.

RATING: 5/10 (++)

(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on October 5th 2004)