HUNTED, THE
Released: March 14, 2003
It's this generation's remake of "First Blood", the first Rambo movie from 1982. While the hand-to-hand fight scenes between Tommy Lee Jones and Benicio Del Toro are well done, the film is otherwise a carbon copy of the Sylvester Stallone action pic. Jones plays the part that Richard Crenna played in the 1982 film while Del Toro is the new Rambo. And, I suppose, FBI badge wearing, beautiful and very talented Connie Neilson ("Gladiator") plays the law enforcer part brought to life by Brian Dennehy. The main difference isn't that David Caruso doesn't have a bit part in "The Hunted" but rather that director William Friedkin is so efficient in directing the forward momentum that all we are given is a chase between Lee and Del Toro. Absolutely none of the other characters are fleshed out beyond cardboard backgrounds or plot points. We are shown that both main characters have a genuine care for life, especially animals. Lee tracks the Del Toro character, whom he trained, and a conclusion is reached a brief 94 minutes later. The ending is not so much bad but abrupt. Even as a "First Blood" rip off, had Friedkin added another 30 minutes or so and populated his movie with a little emotion to go along with the hunt, it would have been much better. The performances are great, as you'd expect from the main actors. The action, locations, photography are all spectacular. For the real thing, however, go watch "First Blood". It's the only Rambo movie you need to see...
94 Minutes
Paramount