Metascore

Mixed or average reviews - based on 29 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 45 Ratings

  • Starring: Gene Hackman, Owen Wilson
  • Summary: A Navy pilot (Wilson) is shot down over enemy territory, and struggles to survive the relentless pursuit of a ruthless secret police enforcer, a deadly tracker, and countless hostile troops. With time running out, the injured pilot's commanding officer (Hackman) goes against orders to carry out a desperate rescue mission. (20th Century Fox) Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 29
  2. Negative: 5 out of 29
  1. Its real agenda is rip-roaring adventure, and that it delivers all wrapped up with a bow.
  2. Reviewed by: Robert Koehler
    60
    An unembarrassed, high-octane demonstration of the virtues of a U.S. military with a mission, the latest war pic from 20th Century Fox -- a studio with a proud tradition in this field -- couldn't be better timed to fit the popular mood.
  3. As a director, Moore is like an energetic puppy who's all over you all at once. You admire his energy, and it's awfully hard to get angry at such high spirits, but you can't help but wish he'd calm down just a bit.
  4. 38
    This is not the story of a fugitive trying to sneak through enemy terrain and be rescued, but of a movie character magically transported from one photo opportunity to another.

See all 29 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Negative: 4 out of 21
  1. Heather
    10
    fantastic film, one i could watch over and over again
  2. Sam
    9
    It has great effects and performances, but without Mr. Wilson and Hackman, it just wouldn't have been as good.
  3. DK
    8
    Some great action sequences and two strong central performances make this a superior blockbuster. John Moores direction is perfectly suited for this sort of fair and the critical reaction of 49 really is a bit shocking. Expand
  4. JaredC.
    7
    Finally a follow-up to Saving Private Ryan, its a war movie that doesn't have the guts, it has actual American-can-do spirit in it. It may be a very short movie dissapointingly but it is crafted in a way Saving Private Ryan wasn't. Expand

See all 21 User Reviews