THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, March 15, 1995 TAG: 9503150016
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E5 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Movie review
SOURCE: BY MAL VINCENT, MOVIE CRITIC
LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines
``OUTBREAK'' IS a rather silly, eventually preposterous movie that trivializes one of the major threats of our time - the possible international spread of a deadly virus. It is undoubtedly destined for commercial success because it pushes all the right buttons. It has helicopter chases and lots of thundering music. In its utter determination to become an ``action'' hit, it keeps the more unpleasant plague victims off-camera.
The film's producers were extremely savvy. If you're going to make a flick about a plague, you'd better add a star name, a villain and a few helicopter chases. They must have been listening when Mary Poppins advised that a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down.
Dustin Hoffman looks vaguely ridiculous as a heroic, storm-the-fortress doctor who must find the monkey who can supply the vaccine to save mankind. A specialist in playing vulnerable, offbeat characters, he is noticeably ill at ease in a Clint Eastwood role. Still, nobody is better at suggesting righteous indignation.
The mystery virus, called ``Motaba,'' first is noted in an African camp in 1967. This provides an excuse for an early explosion (just to signal the audience that we are going to have fun after all).
When the virus shows up again in the African rainforest, super doc investigates. The film's early dramatization about how the virus spreads to America (transmitted by a teeny monkey) is particularly interesting and well-done. More scientific mystery-investigation would have been good.
Patrick Dempsey (formerly a teen idol) turns in a showy performance as the carrier, who gets sicker and sicker. There is expected audience repulsion when he coughs on people, and kisses one unlucky girl. There's uncomfortable laughter when someone comments that he caught the virus in a movie theater.
Rene Russo, the main squeeze nowadays of older actors, is Hoffman's estranged wife and fellow doctor. Russo was last seen as Eastwood's leading lady in ``In the Line of Fire.'' She takes her secondary duties seriously and is particularly good at suggesting strong, career-oriented women.
In search of a villain, Hollywood has once again reverted to the military - a favorite target ever since guys in uniforms threatened ``E.T.'' Here, an unscrupulous general, played by Donald Sutherland, plans to halt the virus by simply nuking the California town in which it is contained. Wouldn't someone notice the disappearance of an entire town - even in California? Wouldn't the nuclear fallout drift around a bit? Don't ask.
Morgan Freeman, a master at suggesting calm, rational folksiness, plays Hoffman's commanding officer. It's a perfect example of an actor trying desperately to make something of a nothing part.
Cuba Gooding Jr. has the more ridiculous role as a novice who eventually displays expertise in everything - even flying helicopters. Eventually he becomes the sidekick for any adventure demanded.
Director Wolfgang Petersen paces the action well. In the past, he expertly handled such varied projects as ``Das Boot'' and ``In the Line of Fire.'' Here, he seems restricted by the studio to make a hit action movie. His assignment, although misguided, is accomplished. In spite of the $40-million budget, however, the result is a B-budget film on the same scare-level with ``The Blob.''
As an action outing, ``Outbreak'' is painless fun, designed to provide a quick rush rather than set off any kind of alarm. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
WARNER BROS.
Dustin Hoffman is the heroic super doctor and Rene Russo is his
estranged wife in the medical thriller ``Outbreak.''
Graphic
MOVIE REVIEW
``Outbreak''
Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Rene Russo, Morgan Freeman, Donald
Sutherland, Cuba Gooding Jr., Patrick Dempsey, Kevin Spacey
Director: Wolfgang Petersen
Screenplay: Lawrence Dworet and Robert Roy Pool
MPAA rating: R (fatal illnesses, some language, cartoon action)
Mal's rating: Two 1/2 stars
Locations: Chesapeake Square in Chesapeake; Commodore in
Portsmouth; Janaf and Main Gate in Norfolk; Kemps River, Lynnhaven 8
and Pembroke in Virginia Beach.
by CNB