The Peacemaker

Starring: George Clooney, Nicole Kidman
Directed by: Mimi Leder
Released: DreamWorks, 1997

The most interesting parts of any post-Cold War action thriller involving Russians and nuclear weapons are the various contrivances that Hollywood uses to convince us that Ivan is still the bad guy. But apart from the vague distinctions between Eastern European nationalities, The Peacemaker is good for a decent action fix, as well as a look at George Clooney before he became a hot commodity. The fun here is similar to that in 1996's Broken Arrow -- chasing down rogue nuclear weapons. Nicole Kidman doesn't blend well into the Tom Clancy-esque globetrotting the plot requires, but nothing about this movie is very subtle and Kidman is only on hand as the requisite provider of sexual tension. Overall, too bland for a full-priced ticket but possibly worthwhile as a weekend rental.