The Rewatchables ‘The Rock' With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Mina Kimes
May 25, 2021
Guests Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, and Ed Harris revisit the 1996 box office hit 'The Rock'. Topics include outrageous car chase scenes, iconic moments like the face bubble execution, flares and Christ poses, memorable scenes and dialogues, poor execution of female characters, and the performances of Harris, Connery, and Cage.
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Unlikely Trio Is The Movie's Strength
- The Rock succeeds because its three leads subvert action-movie norms: Connery's late-career charisma, Cage's quirky scientist, and Harris's moral antagonist.
- That unusual trio gives the film emotional depth and lasting rewatchability.
Bay Merges Die Hard With Visual Excess
- The Rock refined the 90s action template by marrying Die Hard-style stakes to Michael Bay's visual excess.
- That blend produced a high-energy mainstream action film with stylistic flourishes Bay later amplified.
Connery's Late-Career Victory Lap
- Bill praises Sean Connery's late-career run and calls The Rock a victory lap for his charisma.
- Connery's presence and delivery lift the film and make other choices feel believable.