The General's Daughter

A strained plot but good performances
Not a great movie, but still entertaining. I especially enjoyed the characters and performances of Travolta and James Woods. The nudity and S&M in the film is disturbing, as it was probably intended to be, but its so in-your-face that it threw me off from fully immersing in the experience, making me feel like I'd stepped into the wrong movie. Stowe was underused, her role as a romantic foil for Travolta forced. You have a pretty good idea who the bad guys are going to be by the middle of the movie, if not earlier, but there's still enough doubts and twists to keep you second guessing till near the end. I didn't like the same old portrayal of the military. From this film you'd think most of the officers are sexual or moral deviants without integrity or honor. But I guess it wouldn't have been much of a who-done-it if you can't suspect everyone. Watch the film, but don't let your expectations get too high.

This movie provokes the view
When you see such a polarisation of opinions on a book or a film, you actually see a good work because it is making people think. This movie does that and yes, provokes violent extremes in how people perceive it.

Yeah, John's accent [stinks] big time, but he gives one of the best performances of his career. Stowe is always beautiful to watch, an elegant actress that be oh so feminine and yet have a strong will and a mind of her own. She shines in a role that often gives her little to work with speaking of her radiant talent. Timothy Hutton is as always, a superb actor (Tim your Daddy would be very proud of you!!) James Woods - what can you say - you love him or you hate him, but he is one of the best around and he gives a moving performance and the person with the secrets Travolta needs. James Cromwell is finally getting the recognition and the roles he deserves and does his very best in another unlikeable role, bringing it little nuances of a man caught between loving his...

Some Good, Some Bad And All Entertaining
This was an excellent drama marred only by a little too much profanity and the normal Hollywood obsession of portraying the United States military as corrupt. (I have a news flash for filmmakers: there are some honest men in the military....really!!!) Feminism in the armed forces is another "agenda" item in this film.

There are many pluses, however, with this movie that should be noted. . The acting is excellent with a deep cast featuring John Travolta, James Cromwell, Madeline Stowe, Timothy Hutton, James Woods, Clarence Williams III, Leslie Stefanson and more.

I loved the dialog between Travola and Woods. It reminded me of the film noir films of the 1940s. The general's daughter, Stephanson, is a bit hard-edged in here but it's understandable when you find out why she acts the way she does. The characters the actors are all interesting and the story hooks you in right away.

The cinematography is great. This looks stunning on DVD. There are no lulls...

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