Even Sean Connery in fine form and a good basic story by Michael Crichton can't save 1993's RISING SUN from itself.
Wesley Snipes plays detective Web Smith, called to the scene of a murder in the penthouse boardroom of a Japanese corporation. Joining him on the scene is retired Captain John Connor, played well by Connery.
Connor is an expert in all things Japanese and he and Smith soon uncover a LOT of intrigue, double crosses and industrial espionage behind what first appears to be a crime of passion.
I really enjoyed the book and was excited when I saw director Philip Kaufman (The Right Stuff, Invasion of the Body Snatchers) would be taking on the film adaption.
So what happened? Just when you think its going to take off, some cheap eighties action scene arrives. Its an unfocused, confusing mess.
A great supporting cast is wasted and only Connery emerges somewhat unscathed. Looking at Wesley Snipes now, you kind of scratch your head at why he was such a huge star in the nineties, he's definitely a liability.
Rising Sun? Nope, this mess sinks slowly in the west, weighed down by bad choices. We'll bow politely and give it a C-.
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