Behind Enemy Lines (2001)

Amateur movie with Big budget

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

Writers Jim & John Thomas ("Predator"), must have been fans of the jungle war movie, "Bat*21" ('88), the Peter Markle directed film starring Gene Hackman and Danny Glover, based on a book by William C. Anderson, which composed the basis for the story that originated "Behind Enemy Lines", with the help of screenwriters Zak Penn & David Veloz. Throwed in the jingoistic / patriot upbeat feeling of the all american pilots from "Top Gun" ('86) and a cat & mouse game, featuring a sniper, that reminds a bit of "Enemy at the Gates" ('01), released earlier in the same year, and the cult classic, "The Most Dangerous Game" ('32) and the end result is an entertaining action / popcorn flick, far away from some kind of realism, but it's never boring to follow.Gene Hackman leads the picture in a reverse role of his Lt. Colonel Iceal Hambleton from "Bat*21", here he's taking the Danny Glover's role, helping the navigator Owen Wilson escape from an army of angry Serbians, behind the enemy lines, after his McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet has been shot down in no man's land. Owen Wilson was an evident bad choice for the role, he can't act and his screen personna doesn't fit in a movie like this, but in the actor's defense, he was in good shape and surely can run for his life.Gabriel Macht is good in his brief turn as the pilot, Wilson's partner, and David Keith and the portuguese actor Joaquim de Almeida, can do their respective military / commanding roles in their sleep, but Russian actor Vladimir Mashkov stole the movie as the bloodthirsty tracker / sniper in a memorable performance in terms of wickedness. He looks and feels like an emotionless predator hunting his prey and sweats charisma on screen.The movie makes use of a competent cinematography (especially in wide shots from the air) and so-so action scenes, that brings nothing new to the table, but at least it maintain the viewer awake. The C.G.I. is often used and abused... the movie could have been way better if the production used more practical effects and stuntwork.In short, "Behind Enemy Lines", wasn't made to be a rather serious war movie on the subject matter, but just an escapist action film to please a lazy sunday afternoon at the movies. Some reviewers here got it wrong, sometimes a movie is just a movie, things that happens in fantasyland, and thinking to much into it, will destroy the experience. Grab a few beers and a pack of smokes and just enjoy it for what it is, and i guarantee to you that this movie will never bore...I give it a 6.5 !!

I truly enjoyed this movie, because it took a lighthearted approach to 'running for your life' while serving in the forces. I was, however, disheartened by the fact that Scott O'Grady brought down a law suit on the study for "portraying him" in a bad light. This movie was about anything else but Scott O'Grady. Note: Sorry Scott, but it's not about you...I enjoyed the way Wilson took control of his character and lived up to the expectation of what one would expect from a Navy pilot. Let's not forget Gene 'The Man' Hackman. It's difficult to imagine Hackman 'not' being in the service because he does it so 'friggin' well.The movie is suspenseful and the supporting cast is simply awesome! It's just one of those films where not enough credit was given to everyone, all around!

Behind enemy lines is an intriguing movie. If it was based on a true story, I could see why people would be so "critical". Well folks, it's not based on true events and it's just a movie. We don't have to break down why an Admiral puts forth an order for no search and rescue or why sailors on the deck are playing football. The movie to me is not considered a war movie but more of a survival movie.I thought Owen Wilson did a great job , Considering that he is more of a comedic actor.I served in the Navy and I'm not going to sit here and analyze a simple movie based on what's real and what's not. I liked the action , the sense of survival and the storyline. It's not a great movie but a type of movie to pass the time and keep you intrigued.Although it's 2016, I still enjoy watching this movie.

Behind Enemy Lines (2001): Dir: John Moore / Cast: Owen Wilson, Gene Hackman, David Keith, Gabriel Macht, Vladimir Mashkov: Title indicates that someone is on the wrong side of the track. It can also indicate one's reaction to viewing this sh*t. Owen Wilson stars as a fighter pilot in the Navy who is sent on a mission at Christmas time to test a digital camera. He accidentally uncovers an operation resulting in their plane being shot down. His partner is murdered but Wilson escapes on foot. From there it is Wilson running for his life and Gene Hackman under pressure from admirable to leave everything be. Lame action scenes highlight with director John Moore failing to deliver anything interesting. We are given pointless footage of sniper's reactions to orders as if we need to see his sneer one more time. Wilson runs, makes narrow escapes, and then runs some more. Hackman is totally wasted in a role that becomes his worst since The Replacements. David Keith and Gabriel Macht also appear in this mess as if enough careers weren't tarnished by its awfulness already. Vladimir Mashkov plays the most boring villain in the history of film. A tennis racquet with a paper face on it would be more compelling. Anyone remaining until the end of the film should be given a special jury prize for their patience. How about the opportunity to cut the reel to shreds or use the film as target practice? Score: 1 / 10