Ronin (1998)

RONIN has a couple of car chases worth paying for.  Real cars with 
real actors, tearing around France, from the mountains above Monaco 
to the now-infamous tunnels of Paris.  Hang onto those arm-rests!
The script's a loss, however, and the impressive international cast 
is only about half-effective.  Robert DeNiro and Jean Reno (GODZIL- 
LA) are great, but neither Stellan Skarsgard (GOOD WILL HUNTING) 
nor Jonathan Pryce-- who really only has a handful of scenes-- reg-
ister as well as they should.  The increasingly visable Natascha 
McElhone (THE TRUMAN SHOW) effectively holds her own, despite being 
hampered by a distracting Irish accent and absolutely zero chemis-
try with co-star DeNiro.  (The latter a matter that matters later.)
Directed by old-pro John Frankenheimer, the location photography is 
a blast.  At least this one's easy on the eyes!  Oh, and be prepar-
ed for a deliriously queasy self-surgery sequence, with a wounded 
DeNiro directing a scalpel-wielded Reno.  Now, if you'll excuse 
me...  (Rated "R"/120 min.)

Grade: C+

Copyright 1998 by Michael J. Legeros
Movie Hell is a trademark of Michael J. Legeros

Originally posted to triangle.movies as MOVIE HELL: September 28, 1998