Hey folks, Harry here... The Juice has been with us for a couple of years now, and has always done a good job. Here he's taking a look at THE PATRIOT, and he really really loves it, and is pissed about everyone and their brother dissing the film for alleged BRAVEHEART similarities when they haven't even seen the film... Now, just so you know he isn't Dean Devlin in a cyberguise.... I've provided links to his previous reviews so you can check his shit out... find out if ya like em or hate him.... One way or the other... The Juice is taking over right now...
Harry, The Patriot kicked the Juice's ass tonight…and it was a beating I couldn't have loved any more.
I'm sick of all this Braveheart with a tri-cornered hat bullshit…that couldn't be farther from the truth.
There are no major parallels between Braveheart and The Patriot other than the fact Mel Gibson is starring in a period piece. Gladiator basically "borrowed" Bravehearts' storyline, Patriot paves a new path…instead of being an action film paced by moving political and romantic storylines, The Patriot is more of a drama. A film about a family dealing with a war, not any war but a war going on in their own back yard…a war involving their own blood, their own family, and their own friends…it's not a period action flick which Gladiator falls under and Braveheart nearly does. It's at a much slower pace, and although this may sound like a bad thing it suits the film wonderfully.
Yup, Emmerich and Devlin finally filmed a movie I respect, not only that but the direction was excellent.
We aren't submerged in any major battle sequences until the end of the film…and it's worth the wait. There is a scene where Gibson earns the nickname, "The Ghost" that will give you a serious shot of adrenaline. Only problem is because this scene happens so early in the film we expect more of its quality, unfortunately nothing quite reaches its level of intensity until the finish so we wait with high expectations throughout the middle of the film, which happens to be more story driven than action.
Gibson is Benjamin Martin. No arguing. In my opinion he feels more like his Patriot character as opposed to William Wallace. Martin's character should have a look to him, like he's seen things we can't even imagine…a worn tired look…a look that backs up his, "I'd rather farm than go to war attitude". And Gibson does. He has achieved that point in his career, where we are beginning to see wrinkles begin in his immortal face, and I like it…it will open new intriguing doors to Gibson.
Heath Ledger is everything everyone has built him up to be and more. I can't say much about him that hasn't already been said. This is the first real film I've seen him in and I must say, I was impressed.
As for the villain I don't recall the man's name but he is wonderful. He is what Gladiator was missing…a villain you truly feel contempt for, someone you want nothing more than to see die.
This is one of the more entertaining casts I've watched in awhile. In fact an Oscar worthy cast…yup I'm starting my own Oscar buzz. If I was in charge this is the exactly kind of film I would like to see compete. Riveting, exciting, fun, and a major production. Everyone is excellent.
I have heard people say that The Patriot wont make money because Braveheart didn't. That it is even missing the love interest that Bravheart had. First of all this is false. As the women in attendance will attest to the emotion and the Ledger's love subplot are enough to keep them satisfied in this "gem" (keep the kleenexs near).
That about sums up my feelings on The Patriot…there's a quick review that's easy on the eyes and short on the spoilers. This film deserves to do well and will. I haven't seen The Perfect Storm but it does in fact have some tough competition and I really do wish to see them both succeed.
Till next time head geek,
The Juice signing off
