July 9, 1995
THE ROCK
Screenplay by Mark Rosner, David Weisberg, Douglas S. Cook
Synopsis by Brian Aldrich
Retired Marine and Vietnam Vet COLONEL FRANK HUMMEL is pissed about the ex-Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara's recent revelations about Vietnam. Hummel and a group of ex-Marines rob a cache of chemical weapons from a Marine ammunitions depot. Then, taking hostages, they take over the old Alcatraz Prison and mine the island. Hummel informs the authorities that he will release poison gas, endangering the residents of the Bay area, unless 120 million dollars in reparations are paid within 36 hours. The island can not be successfully raided by direct assault, but FBI leader SANCHEZ has a plan. Federal prisoner JOHN PAUL "THE MOLE" MASON is a dangerous lifer who has escaped from several prisons including Alcatraz years ago. Mason escaped by tunneling out and Sanchez wants Mason to lead an armed Hostage Rescue Team back through the tunnels to thwart the terrorists and release the hostages. FBI gas expert BILL GOODSPEED is brought in to neutralize the gas weapons.
Sanchez offers Mason a Presidential pardon for his help. Mason agrees, but soon escapes from custody. Goodspeed tracks him down to his long lost daughter, JADE, who lives in San Francisco. Goodspeed doesn't embarrass Mason in front of Jade which impresses Mason. Goodspeed, Mason, and the Hostage Rescue Team get to the island under decoy and cover of dark, enter through the tunnels, and are ambushed by Hummel's soldiers who were expecting their arrival. Mason escapes with Goodspeed and CHANEY, a wounded FBI man. They get to cover. Mason wants to finish off Chaney for their own good, but Goodspeed firmly objects. The trio make it up to the prison. Chaney, saving Mason and Goodspeed, kills some terrorists and is killed. Goodspeed is captured. Mason gets clean away, even from the island, but returns to save Goodspeed. Angry, Hummel shoots off a gas missile, but purposely misses his target as a warning. Meanwhile, fearing all is lost, the FBI, with the President's approval, prepare to napalm the island as their last choice to save the Bay area. Disgusted with Hummel's weakness, his men mutiny. Hummel tries to stop them, but is killed. Mason releases Goodspeed. They release the hostages and send them down to the tunnels. Goodspeed tries to stop the napalm bombs, but one hits the island. All is destroyed, but Goodspeed, Mason and the hostages survive. Goodspeed lets Mason take off. Mason and Jade go to Canada. Goodspeed returns to his family.
Summary Criticism: This professional script is an enthralling action picture, but the characters are too familiar and the plot is predictable.
The Rock (1996) - imdb
The Rock (1996) - wiki
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