The Rock (1996) Review in 2025
A retired special forces operative must stop a genetically engineered supervillain from destroying San Francisco.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is not suitable for young children due to its intense action sequences and some mild profanity.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for fans of action and adventure movies. It's a thrilling and entertaining ride that's full of memorable moments and stunning action sequences. However, it's not particularly suitable for young children due to its intense action and some mild profanity.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The Rock's character, Dr. Stanley Goodspeed, teams up with John Mason, a prisoner who's also a former SAS operative, to stop the villainous General Hummel from unleashing a deadly gas on the city. Along the way, they discover that General Hummel has a personal vendetta against the government and will stop at nothing to get his revenge.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a good balance of action and suspense. However, it's not particularly original or memorable.
acting9.00/10
The acting is top-notch, with Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery delivering standout performances. However, some of the supporting actors feel underutilized.
characters8.00/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery delivering strong performances. However, some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped.
direction9.00/10
Michael Bay's direction is energetic and visually stunning, with a keen sense of pacing and tension. However, some of the action sequences feel overly long and gratuitous.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, with a focus on high-octane action sequences and dramatic vistas. However, some of the camera work feels overly stylized and distracting.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Rock is a thrilling and entertaining action movie with a strong cast, impressive action sequences, and a engaging storyline. The chemistry between Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery is undeniable, and their performances are some of the highlights of the film.
Cons
The movie's pacing can feel a bit uneven at times, and some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped. Additionally, the film's reliance on over-the-top action sequences can feel a bit excessive and gratuitous.
Notable Quotes
"I have a plan."
"It's not a tumor!"
"You're either on the bus or off the bus."
