General's Daughter The [1999] [DVD]

Things become more dangerous as Brenner and Sunhill uncover more than anyone wants made public and Brenner must use the full powers of his position to shake up the Military structure he is a part of and uncover the truth, no matter the cost. Whether he is a soldier first or a Police Officer may have a bearing on what he does with the truth once he has it in this compelling and complex mystery.

Leslie Stefanson gives a nice performance as the very messed up General's daughter. Her dalliance into S&M with high ranking members on the base becomes sad and heartbreaking as Brenner and Sunhill slowly get closer to the truth, and the real reason she was mudered. James Cromwell (L.A. Confidential) gives another solid performance as the politically ambitious General and Clarence Williams III of Mod Squad fame has a nice turn as his loyal to the death aid.

Everyone from Col. William Kent (Timothy Hutton) to Col. Robert Moore (James Woods) has something to hide in screenwriter William Golden's (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid) story. Brennan and Sunhill's relentless pursuit of justice for the General's daughter makes for a terrific time at the movies. The ending may suprise you, as may the reason for the brutal crime and the events that preceeded it.

This is a marvelous Military mystery that works because of the fine performances and the sure handed direction that never lets your interest wane. You'll want to own this one as it begs for repeated viewings. This is a very good film all the way around and one you have to see.

Yeah, John's accent [stinks] big time, but he gives one of the best performances of his career. Stowe is always beautiful to watch, an elegant actress that be oh so feminine and yet have a strong will and a mind of her own. She shines in a role that often gives her little to work with speaking of her radiant talent. Timothy Hutton is as always, a superb actor (Tim your Daddy would be very proud of you!!) James Woods - what can you say - you love him or you hate him, but he is one of the best around and he gives a moving performance and the person with the secrets Travolta needs. James Cromwell is finally getting the recognition and the roles he deserves and does his very best in another unlikeable role, bringing it little nuances of a man caught between loving his daughter and the higher calling of military honour.

This movie does not show the military and its treatment of its female members in a good light bringing back many such stories we have seen through the years on evening news, maybe with such graphically grim - almost claustrophobic feel that it will cause some people to dislike the film for that alone, especially in today's climate of the world.

But is a gripping, on the edge film, that does not take the easy road, but delivers a powerful punch...maybe too powerful for some.