'Basic'
(John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Connie Nielsen / R / 110 mins / Columbia)
Overview:The latest assignment of a DEA agent (John Travolta) is to investigate the bizarre disappearance of an Army drill instructor (Samuel L. Jackson) and several of his elite commandos during what was to be a routine training exercise. The agent finds trouble around every turn and is at odds with the Army's own investigating officer (Connie Nielsen).
Verdict: Though John Travolta's latest Hollywood vehicle 'Basic' starts out well; with zest and confidence, it collapses by the last act and man, that damn incessant rain! It literally drowns out everything: dialogue, plot, plausibility, and purpose! 'Basic' is so unashamedly confusing, so intent on piling twist upon twist upon twist, it makes your head hurt just trying to figure out what's happened! A cheesy, fundamentally unsatisfying experience, 'Basic' is another depressingly empty, bad action thriller that tries to confuse you into thinking it's good.