Movies, Movies And More Movies

Sci-Fi Horror
What you can't see, can kill you!

HOLLOW MAN entertained me even though I just know that the film is too hollywood. I guess that seems to be a war cry for most critics nowadays. I just know some are going to put it down but it really does not deserve it. THe first two thirds of this movie is excellent and there is no denying it. The last third goes into hollywood mode explosions and all. As a summer film meant to entertain it is well done and very enjoyable. So there that's it in a nutshell. What that's it? No don't worry I give you more.

HOLLOW MAN does not really fill you with emotions in either terror or humour but you can't help but snicker at some of the ideas that may come to mind about being invisible. Yes Sebastian Caine played by Kevin Bacon does flirt with those self same ideas. Okay they skipped the girl's locker room but yes he does take advantage of the female gender. Writers such as Milo Manara who wrote and drew BUTTERSCOTCH have perpetuated the Invisible Man gags. Unfortunately, the humour quickly becomes dark and vicious, very vicious. Invisibilty is treated clinically in this film until paranoia sets in. That is when all hell breaks lose. That is when the audience really must think twice about the dangers of invisibility. The idea becomes terrifying when we see the real threats of invisiblity. How comfortable would you feel knowing that an invisible cop or spy is watching everything you do. Scary, right? You bet ya.

The effects in this movie are incredible and original. Kevin Bacon must feel real comfortable with his career to be able to star in a film where he is unseen for two thirds of a film. He has my respect because he did an excellent acting job as dis the rest of the cast. The scenes where he becomes invisible will knock you out. Who ever did the computer graphics for this should be commended for their talents. You'll understand when you see it.

"What would you do if you knew no one could see you?"

Sebastian Caine and Linda Foster (Elizabeth Shue) operate a secret Pentagon funded program which obviously has military applications. Sebastian is an obnoxious but almost loveable genius who is on the verge of finalizing his invisibilty formula. He has been experimanting with various animals but now he decides, just Claude Rains did in the original INVISIBLE MAN movie of the 1940's, that he must experiment on himself. He does and at first it is fun and interesting as he acts out some invisible man fantasies. Unfortunately, jealous and a not so ready formula causes him to slowly go insane. Claude Rains did it better of course in the original film, but what the heck Bacon does a really good job as well.

"It's amazing what you can do when you don't have to look at yourself in the mirror anymore."

Linda and Matt played by Josh Brolin are secret lovers as well as lab partners. When Sebastian finds out his ex is with Matt his mind snaps even further. Add this to the fact that they do not seem to be able to make him visible again and you have a murderous man who loses all respect for life. He loses any charm he had and quickly turns into a rapist and murderer. From this point on his agenda changes and he decides all reference to the project must be destroyed, people and lab. This is when a witty and intelligent script turns Hollywood.

"It's going to be abusy day"--Sebastian

The movie becomes fast paced with lots of action and explosions at this point so I'll leave it at that. Saying that, I want you to go out and see this movie, because HOLLOW MAN will entertain you. Young children obviously will find it a bit intense and some people may not appreciate the breif scenes of nudity. By the way Kevin Bacon is naked throughout most of this movie too bad you can't see him, right girls. Well grab that bucket of popcorn, sit backl and enjoy the thrill ride. A suggestion, when you go to the video store pick up a copy of the orginal Claude Rain's INVISIBLE MAN,/i>.