Cast
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Anthony Hopkins
as Oakes
Chris Rock
as Jake Hayes / Kevin Pope
Gabriel Macht
as Seale
Peter Stormare
as Adrik Vas
John Slattery
as Roland Yates
Kerry Washington
as Julie
Garcelle Beauvais
as Nicole
Brooke Smith
as Officer Swanson
Irma P. Hall
as Mrs. Banks
Matthew Marsh
as Dragan Adjanic
Deborah Rush
as Mrs. Peterson
Daniel Sunjata
as Officer Carew
John Aylward
as Officer Ferren
Dragan Mićanović
as Michelle Petrov
T.J. Cross
as Cool Bean
Crew
Director
- Joel Schumacher
Producer
- Michael Browning
- Jerry Bruckheimer
- Mike Stenson
Reviews
CinemaSerf
You might be more forgiving of this if you are a fan of Chris Rock's fast-paced, quick-thinking banter. If you are not then it really can border on the puerile at times. The premiss sees Rock ("Jake") recruited by worldly CIA man "Oakes" (Sir Anthony Hopkins) after his twin brother is killed. Aside from the fact that "Jake" didn't even know he had a brother, let alone that he was an agent, he is not an especially brave young man who tends to let his mouth do most of the work - so off we go into the murky and perilous world of terrorists bent on killing his fiancée and destroying New York. It's all pretty formulaic stuff - pyrotechnics, shoot 'em ups, secret codes etc. - with Hopkins standing around most of the time chewing on a toothpick looking about as disinterested at I rapidly became. Some of Rock's retorts are quite amusing, but at two hours the story wears too thin too quickly and there is little, if any, chemistry between the two at the top of the bill. The effects are pretty standard, as is the plot and though it is watchable enough, it's certainly not remotely memorable.
Sep 3, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure/Comedy/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Bad Company distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Joel Schumacher brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2002, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Bad Company took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $70.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 116 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 171 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2002, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Bad Company shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Stagecoach, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Bad Company offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Mulholland Drive and The French Connection explore similar territory, Bad Company stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 7, 2002
- Runtime: 1h 56m
- Budget: $70,000,000
- Revenue: $65,977,295
