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END OF DAYS
review by
Joe Mauceri
Review: After a two-year hiatus, due to heart surgery, Schwarzenegger explodes onto the screen in an epic battle between good and evil. END OF DAYS is directed by Peter Hyams, the visionary who brought us such films as "The Relic," "Time Cop," and "2010." Hyams allows the camera to capture a more vulnerable Arnold. You might expect the character of Jericho Cane to be a modern superhero, but it is more classic character. Hyams captures Arnold in several defenseless moments. Satan tries to tempt him, but when that fails he puts him through a world of pain and suffering. Schwarzenegger shows that he can act. The filmmakers apply the golden rule of the Clint Eastwood films. They keep Arnold's dialogue down to a minium, and cut out almost all of those cute, cliched lines. Their serious approach to the subject matter does not call for it. The only problem is his accent. It is a bit of a mystery, because he is more articulate in person then he comes off on screen. Hyams and Schwarzenegger assemble a wonderful cast. Gabriel Byrne is both charismatic and slimy as Satan. He adds contrast to Schwarzenegger's performance, and convey's a strength that stands up to Arnold's stature. Rod Steiger steals his scenes with Arnold. Udo Kier is always a delight, but I'm curious about this cinematic obsession with either blowing up or chopping-off his head. Hyams does not allow the effects to dictate the pacing. The bigger sequences are breathtaking, and Arnold proves he is still in top shape. Hyams plays it safe with the creature effects. When Satan breaks free from hell, roam the streets of New York, it as a translucent figure. When the director plays his creature effects trump card in the climax, he chooses not to linger on the shot. He quickly puts the monster back in the box and Arnold battles an invisible force. It's an effective and interesting decision. Hyams deserves an award for maintaining the consistent New York look to film. The film was shot in several locations. The skillful camera work and editing successfully preserves the Big Apple feel. It is not just the camera work, it is also the keen attention to detail by the art department and set dressers. END OF DAYS is an action-packed genre hybrid roller-coaster ride. Arnold is back with a vengeance and style, the likes of which we have never seen from him before. END OF DAYS is the last great action film of the millennium. OFFICIAL WEB
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Premise:
At the end of every thousand years Satan walks the earth looking
for his betrothed. Jericho Cane, is an ex-cop who has reached the
end of his rope. Just when he thought things couldn't get any worse,
he is finds himself face to face with the Prince of Lies. In the
world's darkest hour, he is as the only man who stands between Satan
and the end of days.
