An action-packed suspenseful wonder-ride of a film, it is one of Bridget Fonda’s best performances and captures the remake of La Femme Nikita which was released in 1990. The French film inspired not just a remake, but also a television series which was originally written and directed by Luc Besson who has done other films such as The Fifth Element (1997). John Badham directs Point of No Return, and delivers something cutting edge while keeping the origins of the story intact and intriguing. Robert Getchell and Alexandra Seros were responsible for the screenplay writing this captivating action-suspenseful thriller, which also has a bit of romance and criminal activity involved to it.
There is a rather large ultimatum to this story for the lead character Maggie Hayward aka Claudia Anne Doran (Nina) played by Bridget Fonda. She must choose between life and death for all the wrong that she has previously done. Along the way, she meets a man simply named J.P. played by actor Dermot Mulroney who becomes her love interested. Her life continues to become complicated for her as she hides her true identity to her boyfriend. But this is just the main story, there is more hidden as you will see if you decide to watch this.
I liked each of the actors who they selected for these particular roles; it certainly added something to the film and made it better in my opinion. Gabriel Byrne plays a character known as Bob and is in charge of this secret government operation. Anne Bancroft appears in this film as Amanda who tries to mentor Maggie into a refined lady. Miguel Ferrer appears in this as Kaufman who is another government operative.
Attention The Wonder Years fans, you will notice Olivia d’Abo in this playing a character named Angela. Lorraine Toussaint plays Beth, Richard Romanus plays Fahd Bahktiar, Geoffrey Lewis plays the Drugstore Owner, Mic Rodgers plays the Cop, Ray Oriel plays Burt, Michael Rapaport plays Big Stan and keep your eyes open for Harvey Keitel playing Victor the Cleaner.
The high point of this film is the acting and the action packed story. From the beginning until the end, I found it to be entertaining and worthy of a watch. Other people liked the French version better but this one was more suspenseful and astounding. Even my mother has watched this film about 6 times loved it each time around. The story has old meanings within it and can be compared in some ways to the classic My Fair Lady (1964) but a different scenario.
I went to see this with my family in the theatre when it was released, and have since watched it a couple more times over the years; it was quite good for a science fiction piece. The story takes place in the future of course with a vision of floating cabs in the skyline and robotics at each and every turn. There are some alien creatures in this as well, which creates some interesting scenarios that happen. Some of them are friendly and others of course are not. There are some big name actors in this film and they put their talents to the test portraying different types of characters we haven’t really seen much of before. The lead role was tailor made to fit Bruce Willis playing the part of Korben Dallas who is much like Officer John McClane who he played in the Die Hard (1988) movie series that made him a super star.
This is another example of giving a writer a chance at bringing their work to the screen with the vision they had, and this is exactly what happened when they let Luc Besson direct this as well. Robert Mark Kamen also helped in writing the initial screenplay. I think this is one of the best casts I’ve seen in a movie put together. Everyone fit the role perfectly, and it really helped bringing dimension to the story. It also seemed like they had very well rehearsed scenes working together going over each and every little detail.
Milla Jovovich plays the part of Leeloo, an alien being who was regenerated through advanced technology. She is vulnerable yet strong in her own right as the missing link in the salvation of Earth. She falls into the cab that Korben drives, and from then on the story gets more complex. Ian Holm plays the part of Father Vito Cornelius, who is a descendant of the original priests who were keepers of a key that will unlock something very important in helping save our world. At the start of the story, we see Luke Perry appear as Billy at this ancient ruin, where the aliens first come in contact with humans they are called Monascheiwans who help make sure the existence of humanity is ensured. Brion James portrays General Munro in this, and brings a bit of sarcasm to his character while doing a great job with the role.
We later see Chris Tucker playing the off the wall character named Ruby Rhod, who is a futuristic celebrity who broadcasts on television and the radio of the future. Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister is President Lindberg. Gary Oldman is Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg, who tries to take over with his ways, and uses the the Mangalores who are a savage race and very primitive but strong at warfare to aid him. Lee Evans is the character Fog, and Charlie Creed-Miles plays the role of David.
This is an intriguing film for those who like science fiction action type movies, and enjoy a good solid story with lots of explosions and big-budget special effects. But, I don’t think this film will appeal to everyone. I will recommend it to the science fiction fans for sure though.
