The General's Daughter

This was an excellent drama marred only by a little too much profanity and the normal Hollywood obsession of portraying the United States military as corrupt. (I have a news flash for filmmakers: there are some honest men in the military....really!!!) Feminism in the armed forces is another "agenda" item in this film.

There are many pluses, however, with this movie that should be noted. . The acting is excellent with a deep cast featuring John Travolta, James Cromwell, Madeline Stowe, Timothy Hutton, James Woods, Clarence Williams III, Leslie Stefanson and more.

I loved the dialog between Travola and Woods. It reminded me of the film noir films of the 1940s. The general's daughter, Stephanson, is a bit hard-edged in here but it's understandable when you find out why she acts the way she does. The characters the actors are all interesting and the story hooks you in right away. The cinematography is great. This looks stunning on DVD.

There are no lulls in this film and the action isn't overdone, either. Very entertaining.

John Travolta stars as Paul Brenner, a charismatic man in the Army's C.I.D. unit. Paul is called upon to solve the strange rape & murder of the title character, Elizabeth Campbell (Leslie Stefanson). Paul gets paired with a rape investigator named Sara Sunhill (Madeleine Stowe), who just happens to be a former flame of his. As Paul and Sara work the clues, they discover a string of characters who all have their secrets to hide. And it becomes apparent that the Army's main concern is keeping things quiet and maintaining the public image.

While far from a great story, this is still an absorbing one. There's a very tragic and somber arc that stems from the Elizabeth Campbell character being a *very* troubled individual. The story isn't always too believable, but director Simon West keeps the plot progressing in competent enough fashion, with a couple of twists along the way. The more serious and sordid elements are sometimes contrasted with not terribly amusing banter between Travolta and Stowe.

The exemplary supporting cast is the main reason to watch. Travolta lays on the goofy charm a bit much at first (and does a deliberately bad Southern accent for too long a time), but as the movie goes on, the better his performance gets. He and Stowe are able to create some chemistry. Stefanson is effective as the victim, and James Cromwell as her general father is completely convincing. Clarence Williams III also scores strongly as the generals' comrade, who's loyal to the core. The real standout is the always dynamic James Woods, as Elizabeths' mentor; the scenes where he and Travolta are attempting to outwit each other are just about the best in the movie.

Well shot (by Peter Menzies Jr.) and decently paced, "The General's Daughter" manages to be watchable for a little under two hours.

Seven out of 10.

A beautiful army officer is murdered in compromising circumstances that the fort MacCallum officials would rather keep quite. John Travolta and Madeleine Stowe are the investigators into the murder, and it's seems that someone wants to keep the truth hidden.

Travolta and Stowe both capture the necessary elements of their characters and they are well supported by James Cromwell, Timothy Hutton, Clarence Williams II and James Woods.

This suspenseful mystery thriller delivers the disturbing truths of the story very well, it does have its flaws, but they are largely forgivable due to the captivating delivery and direction.

7/10

'The General's Daughter' got a fair bit of flack from professional movie critics in it's day, but I think a lot of it was unwarranted. Sure it's a glossy Hollywood pic with an established director in Simon West and a treasure trove of a cast headlined by John Travolta & Madeleine Stowe, but it's also a crackerjack mystery with fine pacing, editing. The military element gets put to good use delivering equal parts shock & awe. My only complaint is I can't go back in time and have the surprises, reveal hit the same way like it did the first time.

CWO Paul Brenner (Travolta) a CID MP is on assignment at a military base in Georgia when Cpt. Elisabeth Campbell (Stefanson) is found dead in what appears to be a grisly rape/murder scene. Joined by WO1 Sarah Sunhill (Stowe) to whom he has a complicated past, they're now tasked with finding who's responsible & giving justice to her father LTG Joe Campbell (Cromwell). However for every shred of evidence they gain, another suspect comes to light. What seems simple one moment isn't the next until every secret is revealed, no truth is left unturned.

I have no issue if anyone - critic or otherwise - feel the plot is a bit over the top / relying too heavily on conspiracy, lies. However unless I've zoned out every time I've watched it ... it all makes sense. No wtfs, no huge gapping holes to the story. The journey is a fine one start to end, slick and entertaining with some characters that really rise above. No it's not perfection, but it's also not a bad trip like some want you to believe. Travolta fans in particular will be impressed and he gets some real zingers for lines.

It also goes without saying I'm a sucker for big casts full of faces. That alone doesn't make a movie great, but when they're given good dialog it ups the ante. Timothy Hutton, James Cromwell, Clarence Williams III, James Woods, Boyd Kestner & Leslie Stefanson as the titular daughter. Cromwell, Williams stand out, but Woods gives a masterclass in subtle efficient acting and tangos well with Travolta in limited screen time. The requisite bursts of action or fisticuffs are here of course and a joy too.

Some who serve in the US military (past or present) or their relatives take offense when movies don't portray it in a positive light, get lingo, uniforms, procedure wrong. However if you're willing to let things slide, tune in for entertainment and don't need movies to fulfill your idea of reality 'The General's Daughter' delivers where it counts & as intended. Never once did it's dramatic license bore or lose me along the way and the musical score is worth a mention as well. Recommended.

I can't believe this movie is rated only 6.3 on IMDb. In the mystery and crime genre alone I would personally rate it at same level as as Vertigo and Pscycho. It's direction, acting and plot are all top notch, cutting deep in your mind and psych. This is one of those movies that draws viewers in and doesn't leave them even after it ends. Some people say that its end is a little hammy, but by the time it reaches there, the movie has already done a stellar work. In my opinion it is also one of the best acting performances by John Travolta. And the supporting ensemble is equally good. This is one of them movies that deserves to be part of every collection.