John McTierman directs this sometime confusing, but intriguing military drama. Sergeant West(Samuel L. Jackson)is a reviled legendary Army Ranger that is "fragged" while commanding a Special Forces training mission in a hurricane-battered Panamanian rain forest. Two survivors(Giovanni Ribisi and Brian Van Holt)recall the mission...but the truth is not unfolding to the satisfaction of Brass. Former Ranger and current DEA agent Hardy(John Travolta)is summoned against the wishes of Army Investigator Osborne(Connie Nielsen) to sort out conflicting recall and find the truth of what actually happened on that ill-fated mission. Enough twists and turns to keep you hanging on. The ending may be somewhat a let down. Ranger protocol may be side stepped a bit...but still the mind is a fearsome weapon. Rounding out the cast are: Tim Daly, Taye Diggs, Roselyn Sanchez and Harry Connick Jr.
Review of Basic
