The Rock

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3:08

The Rock

R

Released Jun 7, 1996

2h 16m

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

67%

Tomatometer

73 Reviews

85%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

FBI chemical warfare expert Stanley Goodspeed (Nicolas Cage) is sent on an urgent mission with a former British spy, John Patrick Mason (Sean Connery), to stop Gen. Francis X. Hummel (Ed Harris) from launching chemical weapons on Alcatraz Island into San Francisco. Gen. Hummel demands $100 million in war reparations to be paid to the families of slain servicemen who died on covert operations. After their SEAL team is wiped out, Stanley and John deal with the soldiers on their own.

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Critics Consensus

For visceral thrills, it can't be beat. Just don't expect The Rock to engage your brain.

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

Very entertaining action hokum that benefits hugely from the uses made of the three stars.

Jun 14, 2022

Full Review

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

There isn't a shot, scene or sequence in The Rock that doesn't move furiously, typically with colored lights flashing into our faces or onto those of the actors.

Rated: 2.5/4

May 27, 2014

Full Review

Doug Thomas

Seattle Times

You might need to take Dramamine before entering a Michael Bay movie. The one-time music-video director has an annoying habit of finding the tightest shots, editing the heck out of them and scoring the works to loud music.

Rated: 2/4

May 27, 2014

Full Review

Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

“The Rock” is fueled by big action scenes and thrilling set pieces. But it’s true bread-and-butter is found in burgeoning action star Nicolas Cage and the ground-shaking charisma of Sean Connery.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 18, 2024

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Zita Short

InSession Film

The Rock still feels generic and lacking in any of the flourishes that distinguish hacks from legendary auteurs.

Rated: D+

Feb 2, 2023

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Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

Much of the action feels thin and inauthentic.

Rated: C

Sep 1, 2022

Full Review

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Ralph R

The Rock (1996) is a solid action-packed ride from start to finish. The plot is straightforward but executed well, with a strong first act that sets everything up nicely. The pacing keeps things moving without dragging, and there's a good balance between intense action and quieter moments that build character relationships. The script is solid, delivering sharp dialogue and a few memorable lines that stick with you long after the credits roll. Michael Bay’s direction is exactly what you’d expect, high-energy, explosive, and visually dynamic. The cinematography has that gritty yet polished look that works perfectly for this kind of movie, making the action sequences feel immersive and intense. Bay’s signature camera movements and framing give everything a larger-than-life feel, keeping the tension high. The sound design and score are fantastic, elevating the emotional beats and the action without overpowering the scenes. The performances are a big part of what makes The Rock work so well. Sean Connery has an undeniable screen presence, bringing charisma and weight to his role, while Nicolas Cage delivers a strong performance that balances his character’s intelligence and unpredictability. Ed Harris also stands out, adding depth to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional. With great action sequences, strong performances, and a tight script, The Rock is a top-tier action movie that holds up incredibly well.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/20/25

Full Review

thiago s

Filme mais ou menos, o roteiro é fraco, o filme tem cenas de ação bacaninhas, o elenco é bom, mas quase nao ajuda a melhorar o filme e os personagens são mais ou menos, com tudo isso eu não recomendo esse filme.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

02/15/25

Full Review

william s

I remember loving this movie and just watched it for the first time in years. It, uh, didn't exactly hold up and I think it's fair to say it's not actually a great movie. But, it is a hell of a lot of fun. Everything is just over the top. Nic Cage gives a very Nic Cage performance (bordering on just straight bad) and Michael Bay was just running around blowing up everything in sight. I mostly found myself just laughing at the stupidity But again, still had a good time.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/14/25

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Shaun R

This film doesn't start great but quickly becomes a 90's classic as soon as they land on Alcatraz. One of the best high octane actions of that era.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/14/25

Full Review

movies4granted

Bayhem to the max + Conmery and Cage = good time

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/16/24

Full Review

Issara K

Very great action film ! one of the best entertainment film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/14/24

Full Review

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Michael Bay

Director

Sean Connery

John Patrick Mason

Nicolas Cage

Dr. Stanley Goodspeed

Ed Harris

General Francis X. Hummel

Michael Biehn

Commander Anderson

William Forsythe

Special Agent Ernest Paxton

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The Rock: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

FBI chemical warfare expert Stanley Goodspeed (Nicolas Cage) is sent on an urgent mission with a former British spy, John Patrick Mason (Sean Connery), to stop Gen. Francis X. Hummel (Ed Harris) from launching chemical weapons on Alcatraz Island into San Francisco. Gen. Hummel demands $100 million in war reparations to be paid to the families of slain servicemen who died on covert operations. After their SEAL team is wiped out, Stanley and John deal with the soldiers on their own.

Director: Michael Bay
Producer: Don Simpson, Jerry Bruckheimer
Screenwriter: Douglas S. Cook, David Weisberg, Mark Rosner
Distributor: Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co: Hollywood Pictures, Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films
Rating: R
Genre: Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 7, 1996, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $134.1M
Runtime: 2h 16m
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

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