What A Movie This Is, Even With Travolta

Box office totals can be deceiving. Not necessarily all films seen by everyone are awesome, and films that no one attends aren't always bad. Although preachy and sometimes frustrating to watch, Mad City managed to keep me intrigued through out the entire film, beginning to end.

John Travolta stars as Sam, a recently fired museum security guard who returns to his former employer with a gun and dynamite "just to talk to her." He eventually takes hostages(including children) and a news story is cast. Max(Dustin Hoffman) is a has been news anchor who sees the opportunity to turn Sam into a hero, and at the same time revive his career.

The movie focuses on the relationship between Sam and Max, Max's change of heart, and how completely invasive the media can be. Mad City is without a doubt a one sided film, made to get its message across, however you may interpret that.

Mad City shines with talented actors and cool cameo appearances(Jay Leno and Larry King), but there is one aspect of the film that leaves a bad taste in my mouth; John Travolta. Basically to me he has never been and never will be a has been, he's a never was. His acting is horrible, unbelievable, and annoying. Despite this though, Mad City is enjoyable.

With a PG-13 rating Mad City obviously doesn't have much profanity or graphic sex. However, there are a couple of violent scenes within the film. There isn't anything too bloody, but there is violence. Much of the rating probably also came from the seriousness of the topic and the ending.

So, Mad City isn't the greatest movie ever made, it probably isn't even on the top 100, but it is an intriguing look into the world of media and their everlasting search for the story that will boost their ratings big time. Mad City isn't a must see, but it's always good for a rainy day.