U.S. Marshals (1998) User Reviews

Spectacular pursuits and emotions with an extraordinary duo : Snipes and Lee Jones

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 8 November 2005]

The flick talks about US Marshall Gerard ( Tommy Lee Jones ) and his detectives group ( Joe Pantoliano, La Tanya Richardson, Daniel Roebuck , Tom Wood ) who set out in pursuit an assassin and thief convict ( Wesley Snipes ) after a plane crash and he gets away . A Security Agent ( Robert Downey Jr . ) is assigned to help them but the story behind his accusation is converted more and more rare . The fugitive is only helped by his sweetheart ( Irene Jacob ).

The picture is the following to ¨The fugitive¨ ( by Andrew Davis ) that's an adaptation based on famous television series . Movie blends frenetic action, suspense, intrigue, violence and is pretty entertaining . It's a run-of-the-mill action film because since the start until the finishing the action-packed and thriller is continued .The movie is fast moving and the action pace is accurately narrated and for that reason is amusing. The release has spectacular scenes as when the plane crashing or the breathtaking pursuits in bounds and leaps and interminable runs . The numerous duels and confronting between duo protagonist are exciting and impressive . Although the first part featured by Harrison Ford obtained much more box office , this second part also achieved success in spite of the storyline was basically a rehash of the previous film that was it equally of television episodes scripted by Roy Huggins and starred by David Jansen . Magnificent and sensational musical score by the veteran Jerry Goldsmith . Awesome cinematography by Andrzej Bartkowiak ( sometimes filmmaker ) . The film is finely directed by Stuart Baird ( an usual and famed film editor ) . The motion picture will appeal to triller enthusiasts and starring duo fans . Rating : Above average . It's essential and indispensable watching .

Once More with Feeling!

[jthelin · 8/10 · 2 March 2007]

I avoided this for years because it looked like a useless remake. However, I had forgotten that I thought The Fugitive was a useless remake of the TV series until I was dragged to it and found…a fine, suspenseful feature filled with a plethora of colorful characters. So, I should have been tuned in more to my own personal history, but so it goes….I now have watched U.S. Marshalls a number of times, and I have to say the two companion films match each other in quality.

The pacing is fast without being frenetic. The use of repetition, i.e., recurring motifs such as Kimball diving off a dam to safety & Sheridan swinging down to hop a commuter train, work well – though they could have been disastrous. The large cast is compelling down to the smallest roles (similar to The Fugitive in that regard). Jones, Snipes, and Downey all show range in their parts…Downey, as always, illustrates why he is one of the best of his generation. And some of the secondary roles shine, in particular Tom Wood as Deputy Marshall Noah Newman. He receives more screen time than in the predecessor; and he makes use of it well. He has one of "those acting moments" in a confrontation with Downey's character: his intense expression of simultaneous fear & anger is a plum bit of acting chops. Like other IMDb readers, I wonder what has happened with this good actor. No screen credits since 2000. Stage work? Left the biz? If the former, and he's in NYC, then we'll probably see him on a Law & Order episode one of these days!

I recently found a DVD with tons of extras on it – but I have not as yet delved into them. I look forward to doing that, as I do another viewing of the film.

pretty good followup

[rupie · 7/10 · 9 July 1999]

Okay, so "U.S.Marshalls" is basically just a remake of "The Fugitive". As such, it received lukewarm to cool reviews when it was in the theaters, unjustifiedly so, I think. Although the plot line is a ripoff of the earlier movie, this one does well in keeping us in suspense as to the story behind the central character, and the action is exciting and well-paced. Tommy Lee Jones of course "makes" the film, accompanied by the same cast of deputies as in the earlier movie. There are even "toppers" for the bus crash/train wreck and famous swan dive from the earlier movie. This is a very good escapist action flick.

Decent action film.

[bat-5 · 7/10 · 12 August 1999]

U. S. Marshals has Tommy Lee Jones as Sam Gerard, his Oscar winning role from The Fugitive, chasing after Wesley Snipes. After a quite spectacular plane crash, the hunt is on. Snipes trying to prove he's innocent of crimes he didn't commit and Jones and his team of bloodhounds relentlessly searching for him. There is no skimping on the action and the leap from a building to a moving train is one nifty stunt. The only trouble I have is that you don't care enough about Wesley Snipes' character as you do for Harrison Ford in The Fugitive. Wesley Snipes is a former spy in the film, and he uses his skills to evade the cops. Ford was just a doctor, with no special training at all. Still, for an action film, this one delivers.

Solid and suspenseful, enjoyable the whole way through

[mOVIemAN56 · 7/10 · 28 June 2006]

I have never seen The Fugitive which is the predecessor to this film, but what I saw in U.S. Marshals, I don't think The Fugitive could be any better. U.S. Marshals is the action/ thriller film and fan of the genre would drool over.

The now Chief Deputy Marshal Samuel Gerard is once again after an escaped fugitive. Mark Sheridan has escaped from a plane wreck and is on the run for a crime he did not commit and Gerard, with his team, is close behind. Sheridan must find a way to avoid the Marshals and find out who really committed the crime he has been framed for. The action is well placed coming in short spurts (except for maybe the plane wreck) and works exceptionally well with the story.

The acting is exceptionally well done with Jones and Snipes giving some of there best performers in a long time. Tommy Lee Jones is quick thinking and likable in his role as Gerard and eventually works into be your favorite character. Snipes is only seen in short spirits until about the last 20 minutes which adds to the effect of him being evasive to the Marshalls. However, in his short scenes, he is able to fit into the role with relative ease.

The action sequences, as I said, is very well done and never over done. They are fast-paced and well acted. The special effects are also quite believable. With the excellent acting, gripping plot, and fast paced action sequences, the two hours fly by and make for a very enjoyable film.

3 1/2/5 Stars

"Go git him Tommy Lee"

[beau geste 38 · 7/10 · 2 March 2005]

"We got ourselves a fugitive." Go git him Tommy Lee. Only this time the fugitive (Snipes as Sheridan) ) is a cross between Rambo, Houdini, and Superman (he actually flies). Unless you've got the I.Q. of a pigeon, you should be able to work out where this one is going. There's a lot of action, as expected, with the good guys dodging bullets, and the special effects are great. The team are still full of great one-liners, but the plot is complicated by Robert Downey Jr.(Royce), and the F.B.I. You've probably seen it anyway, so maybe you just need to decide if it's worth a second viewing. It probably is, if you're a Tommy Lee fan. The French bird is gorgeous in this.

Borderline Good

[gbheron · 6/10 · 24 September 2000]

U.S. Marshals is the sequel to The Fugitive, but feels more like a remake. Again a victim of injustice is improperly imprisoned, this time Wesley Snipes in the Harrison Ford role. He's not a surgeon, but a deep undercover spy, the victim of a frame-up of an undisclosed nature. A catastrophic accident frees him (this time a plane crash) and again Tommy Lee Jones is sent to hunt him down. Big-budget, good special effects, A-list actors doing their jobs well; still U.S. Marshals fails to make a big impact. The first quarter starts out great, but by the end of the movie the plot devices are becoming very routine. Not a rip-off, but only C+ to me.

Very Worthy Sequel To A Great Film

[ccthemovieman-1 · 10/10 · 27 February 2006]

This is an outstanding sequel to an outstanding movie The Fugitive (1993). In this film, the focus is on the team that was searching for Dr. Richard Kimble in the first movie. That team was led by Tommy Lee Jones, who won an Oscar for his performance, which probably helped spur this sequel. It worked, as Jones and company (Joe Pantoliano and others) are just as much fun to watch as they were in The Fugitive.

There are many similarities to the latter, especially in the first third of the film, featuring some tremendous action scenes. Instead of a train crash, we have a plane crash. Instead of Harrison Ford on the run, we have Wesley Snipes. In both films, you have such an involving story that the two hours fly by.

U.S Marshals, being the newer film of the two, has better sound and even better special effects for the action scenes. As spectacular as was the train crash in The Fugitive, the plane disaster in here is even better. The same goes for a few other scenes. There is more action in this film. Normally, I don't need that but it's so well-done here, it's fine....fun to watch.

The Fugitive is still one of my all-time favorite movies. If you were entertained by it as well but are wary of sequels, you needn't be here: this is excellent.

Gets better toward the end

[boberck · 7/10 · 29 December 2000]

If you can tolerate Gerard's smugness, and get through the slow beginning, the movie rewards you with a lot of action, intrigue, and chases. Of course, we know how it is going to end, but that's okay because this is an action film, not a mystery. The actors do a good job, but Downey Jr. plays it a little too stiffly.

In terms of excitment, it does not compare to "The Fugitve"

[jordondave-28085 · 5/10 · 23 September 2023]

(1998) U. S. Marshall ACTION

Uninspired remake which was supposed to be a sequel to the 1993 hit film "The Fugitive" starring Harrison Ford, but this time with Wesley Snipes as the fugitive, Mark Sheridan with the Tommy Lee Jones character reprising his role as US Marshall, Samuel Gerard. The crime Mark Sheridan is accused for is a double murder of two "Diplomatic Security Service Agents", which by the black and white security cameras, it looked like it was him to be the culprit. And instead of the hero escaped from a train like the Harrison Ford character did from the 1993 movie, Mark manages to escape by means of plane crash. And while escaping, Mark of course is going on a crusade to expose a possible conspiracy made against him as important briefcase had also been stolen.

Obvious capitalizing retread of the 1993 "The Fugitive" film without much thought going into it. Unmemorable dialogue exchanges reusing the same formulaic plot just became a little tiresome.

Another chocolate doughnut with sprinkles on top

[Newman-4 · 10/10 · 11 October 1998]

People say sequels never work-but devotees of Sam Gerard and his team would disagree with this almost immediately. I've seen this movie several times and for those who like action this movie is for them! Sure the plot is a little familiar for those that have seen the previous movie-'The Fugitive' with Tommy Lee Jones in the role as Marshal Sam Gerard, but that doesn't get in the way. The only bit that irked myself and other hard core fans of 'the team' in this film is the fact that they killed off the always lovable baby faced Newman (played by Tom Wood who is gaining a foothold in the acting business) His death sparked a great deal of conversation, FanFiction writing and an online 'funeral' held by the fans, believe it or not!

So if you are a great lover of the work that Tommy Lee Jones produces, or you just like a cool action movie, U.S. Marshals is a good step away from reality. Sit Back and relax with your coffee and chocolate doughnut with the sprinkles on top!

A good cop doesn't quit. Even an innocent man will run.

[michaelRokeefe · 6/10 · 24 June 2002]

Tommy Lee Jones repeats his role as now Chief Deputy Marshal Sam Gerard in this sequel. And again he is on the trail of another wrongly accused man(Wesley Snipes), who won't give up to prove his innocence. Good story line. Some real good action scenes. Not only are Jones and Snipes excellent. Very good performances from Kate Nelligan and Robert Downey Jr. Nelligan his boss and Downey Jr is the special agent who gives his unsolicited aid. Very worthwhile.

Could have been a great film

[av-spam · 3/10 · 28 December 2020]

Yet another movie ruined by Tommy Lee Jones :( This should have been a Snipes vehicle with Wes at this best but Snipes was woefully underused and Jones/Downey et al managed to ruin a perfectly good Wesley Snipes film! Who'd believe Downey or Jones could whup Snipes in hand to hand combat?

strong sequel

[shakey_jake53 · 30 April 2003]

Great follow up to THE FUGITIVE with Tommy Lee Jones this time chasing Wesley Snipes. Both leads are great and the supporting cast is solid as well. The action scene's are very good as well. A few in particular include the search for Snipes in the swamp, and the airplane crash. The only problem with the film was it was a little longer than it should've been, but aside from that its a solid sequel. 4/5

when I yell "action!", you do some action.

[HollysDemoHell · 6/10 · 5 January 2021]

The kind of jock-headed popcorn blockbuster that doesn't so much tick all the boxes as detonate them. The kind of film where you can imagine the cast doing a testosterone drenched huddle/team talk before takes. The kind of film where random military style music plays constantly throughout, reminding you to feel heroic and proud. Well, watching this outrageously pointless paean to gung-ho mediocrity made me feel about as heroic and proud as Emo Philips in a body-building contest. And yet, witnessing this big dumb jigsaw slowly fit itself together was not as wretched as it should've been. I'll concede that what US Marshals does quite well, it does quite well. The direction is slick enough to cover at least some of the cracks, and despite being made in '98 there's a pleasingly late 80's feel to the whole thing. 6/10

"The Great Samuel Gerard" !

[elshikh4 · 7/10 · 5 May 2009]

Since I first watched it as a rented video on September, 6, 1999, it became a classic action. Few movies have that rank in my book. Here, the journey of Marshal (Samuel Gerard) continues, however with another fugitive. Most of Hollywood sequels are badly-written, pretty hasty, and repeat their original at best. But this time, it even outclassed its original. (The Fugitive - 1993) was well-made entertainment, yet too long, somehow uninteresting with Mr. (Harrison Ford), not to mention that I remember falling asleep in front of it at the first watching! While I have been hooked by (U.S. Marshals), for countless times.

(Tommy Lee Jones) returns to the character that brought him the Oscar. That reminded me of (Charles Laughton) when he won the Oscar for portraying (Henry VIII) in (The Private Life of Henry VIII - 1933), then returned to the same character in (Young Bess - 1953). There is a certain love for the Oscar's part I suppose. But, aside from that, I believe (Jones) loved to come back because how he and (Gerard) are very alike. The first always says: "I do not have a sense of humor of any recognizable sort", (Harrison Ford) said once: "Acting with him is like having a fork in your back all the time!", and (Will Smith) has stated that: "He's my buddy, but it's hard to be a friend of someone who doesn't lie at all!". So I think (Tommy), one way or another, was playing himself. Or maybe he gave the character a lot of his own.

I liked the character's reactions. When he was told: "He's dangerous, armed, well-trained, what will you intent to do?", he replayed simply and seriously: "Catch him!", not "Catch him, sir" or "That lowlife criminal is mine" or "I'm the one who's going to learn this loser the meaning of PAIN!" to the end of Dirty Harry-Sly-The SuperCops dictionary in any other American action. Or when he was among the investigators in (Irene Jacob)'s apartment, notice well that he doesn't speak unless for harmless remakes, looking the most kind or naive one in the bunch, till the end of the scene. Or when he comes to his senses near the climax, choosing not to kill the fugitive. Over and above, (Jones) mastered some good physical efforts as well.

However, (Jones) is accused of repeating himself. While being a master actor, every now and then, he's forced to do the same thing again. For instance, he was the man who chases the innocent till he catches him, then convinces his innocence in (The Fugitive). Then the same man yet with a love interest and a desire to avenge in (U.S. Marshals - 1998). Then he sort of remade it again with a fugitive woman in (Double Jeopardy - 1999). And he did it once more, with less talk and more action, in (The Hunted - 2003)!

It's full of perfect chases. The long sequence in the movie's middle is superb; I don't remember anything like it in (The Fugitive). The problem is that the climax looks so pale compared to it. All the cast did their best. Yes, (Irene Jacob) was nothing but the escapee's charming scared girl; the way most of the American movies deal with talented European actresses. But she provided that character with great sensitivity.

The dialogue was close to spontaneous; representing hot, honest and funny moments; like all the conversations between (Jones) and (Joe Pantoliano). This script was accurate. Even the idiot points, such as arresting (Wesley Snipes) character because of the medicine that he takes, have been presented fast enough so you couldn't glimpse. No wonder, since director (Stuart Baird) was originally one of Hollywood top-notch editors for 2 decades before becoming a director in the mid-1990s.

I recall the authentic poster in the video store back then. It had just small photo for (Jones) looking sullen and the rest of it was for (Snipes) jumping from the roof. I bet the movie makers were proud of themselves for making this astonishing stunt in specific. Although it got my admiration, but I have to hate the fact that the movie gave up one shot in which (Snipes) salutes (Jones) sarcastically, a la' military way, while he's above the train; I deem it the best finish to this outrageous sequence. Though you'll never find it unless in the movie's trailer!

OK, now for something magical. While I watched the movie 3 times already, I didn't notice something that even at the fourth time my mom was the one who noticed it and told me about it; after (Jones) discovered the truth of (Downey. Jr), he tricks him like adept magician, emptying (Downey)'s gun in front of him, and us, while no one is looking. The thing is how (Jones) was that charismatic to pull the trick off so I, as a pro viewer, didn't observe that, and for many times too?! It seems that the director betted on (Jones)'s presence and he, clearly, won.

Finally, I liked the movie's sense of honoring; starting from the slightly strange title, to the last scene with (Jerry Goldsmith)'s melody crowns the victorious marshals.

Yes, it's a sequel, straight action, Hollywood stuff, but not with the bad reputation of that. And (Jones), (Gerard) both were great.

Not bad at all

[perfectbond · 7/10 · 7 December 2003]

U.S. Marshals is a good action film. The stunts and special effects are spectacular and the talented cast, though breaking no new artistic ground, is very good at bringing their characters to life. No, it isn't quite up to the standard of The Fugitive but it is a solidly entertaining movie all the same. 7/10.

Not as good as The Fugitive

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 5 April 2014]

U.S. Marshals Chief Deputy Marshal Samuel Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones) is forced to tag along on a prisoner transport plane after his latest take-down causes some PR problems. On the plane is a prisoner with many aliases (Wesley Snipes) who was picked up after a car accident. On the plane, somebody tries to kill him only to damage the plane forcing it to crash. He escapes and now Gerard is coming after him. Special Agent John Royce (Robert Downey Jr.) is forced on Gerard's team.

It's a sequel to the great 1993 'The Fugitive'. Tommy Lee Jones' Gerald returns as well as much of his team. They do a good job, but it is nothing more than a lot of TV cop teams nowadays. The movie deeply misses Harrison Ford. Wesley Snipes is a cold super agent and the franchise is completely changed. The plane crash seems derivative as if the movie makers decided that the train crash should be improved upon. The super agent spy stuff seems incongruous to the franchise. Everything is bigger to distract from the less than compelling story. At least, everything is done well and the movie is watchable.

A worthy successor

[Latte · 9/10 · 30 August 1999]

I saw the trailer for this film a while ago, and it appealed to me immediately. It's a pseudo-sequel to 'The Fugitive', but don't think that it's the same film all over again. 'US Marshalls' is a perfect stand-alone film, meaning you can watch this film and enjoy it without having seen 'The Fugitive' first.

Tommy Lee Jones plays an excellent grizzled US Marshall who's generally at war with the world. But he enjoys his work- 'c'mon fellas, I'm not having any fun here! And you know how I get when I'm not having fun!' Seeing such a rough-tough character dressed in a chicken suit at the beginning of the film is great comedy.

After a plane carrying criminals crash lands on a road, then a river, TLJ takes control and rescues most of the crim's from drowning- they're chained in their seats, you see. Next morning, the local incompetent sheriff comes in to 'take control'. Comedy ensues when the sheriff tries to show his skills- 'I want you setting up roadblocks in a big, kinda, circle deal.' Of course, when they find one bad guy missing, the hunt is on!

The FBI also want to help catch this guy, for reasons which become clear whilst watching the film. To help, they assign an agent to the US Marshall team, played by Robert Downy Jr, who isn't all he seems...

The plot revolves around the selling of secrets by the US, and China's involvement. Wesley Snipes plays a good guy set up for bad reasons, who takes the chance to leg it away from the plane and clear his name. He has a little help from his friends, including his girlfriend who's part in the film is never made clear. This is also true for the US Marshalls head, who seems to express feelings for TLJ for one sentence, and then plays no further part.

This film is definitely a psychological thriller. You have to keep an eye (or two) on the plot and the characters at all times. I watched this film twice and enjoyed it more the second time- you catch all the little nuances you might otherwise miss. I recommend you do the same.

This film is too deep to accurately describe in a short review, but I would recommend to anyone who likes films with depth, and enjoys characters who seem real, and have strong personalities of their own. Makes for good watching, at an 8/10 score.

Great movie

[sveknu · 7/10 · 18 February 2007]

With a great cast consisting of Tommy Lee Jones and Wesley Snipes, this movie simply had to be good. Everything is performed quality-style here. The story is great, although it can be a little difficult to follow. I didn't get the whole deal before my second viewing. Not that it mattered to much, since there are lots and lots of really cool action scenes all the way through. Snipes is great, and lots of exciting and interesting things happen throughout the whole movie. Tommy Lee Jones almost always makes a movie better with his appearance, and "U.S. Marshals" is no exception. His role is about the same as in "The Fugitive". If you liked that one, you'll definitely enjoy "U.S. Marshals" too.

boooring!

[Indy-52 · 4/10 · 6 September 1999]

now, "The Fugitive" is one of my favorite movies ever, but this movie is definitely unworthy of being the sequel of that film. Wesley Snipes is very boring and uninteresting, and so is the storyline. I never cared about what happened to Mark, but in The Fugitive you really root for Richard Kimble, and you hate Sam Gerard. I thought this movie was totally unnecessary, because the idea is exactly the same as its predecessor, it's just brought in a boring way. I registered a vote of 4 with the IMDb.

good movie...but compared to the original, it's only a shadow

[mswelles · 8/10 · 27 October 1998]

"u.s. marshals" was a very good movie -- great performances by wesley snipes and especially tommy lee jones (when *hasn't* he given an impressive performance???), cool fx, and semi-suspenseful action -- but it's been done before, and better, in the form of "the fugitive" (1993). i am a big fan of the harrison ford flick and compared to that, this film is trailing far behind. i particularly liked the cemetery scene, and the chase scene in the senior's home, but i didn't feel there was nearly enough suspense and intense action as there could have been, like in the film before it. i liked this film a lot, but i wasn't blown away like i was when i saw the previous. maybe it's because harrison is absent, i don't know. it just didn't live up to my expectations. don't get me wrong, it's a good film -- much better than some of the slop that came out this year ("godzilla" comes to mind -- haven't seen it but i haven't heard one positive word about it) -- but i think it could have been much more suspenseful and also better writing would have helped.

i give "u.s. marshals" 7 out of 10 for great performances (particularly tommy lee jones's) and cool fx/chase scenes.

mswelles

No Fugitive, but very action packed

[beaver0524 · 6/10 · 31 August 2002]

I liked the Fugitive better. But, when you have a action movie packed movie with Tommy Lee Jones, Wesley Snipes, and Robert Downey Jr, You can't go wrong.

This is a great action movie to see.

Why do they keep sending him after innocent guys?

[bkoganbing · 5/10 · 18 July 2012]

Capitalizing on the success that Tommy Lee Jones scored in The Fugitive, his character of Marshal Sam Gerard was given the lead in US Marshals where he is once again going after an innocent man. In this case Jones's target is Wesley Snipes who is not only an accused murderer of two agents, but he's accused of treason as well, passing secrets to the People's Republic of China.

Tommy Lee Jones won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for The Fugitive, but he's not doing anything remotely reaching Oscar contention in US Marshals. It's a hastily and poorly written script with a lot of nice action sequences to cover that up. The airplane crash sequence where Snipes escapes from Jones's custody is well done as is his escape from an old age home on to the roof of a moving subway.

As we know early on that Snipes is innocent, I'm here to tell you that the guilty party stands out like a sore thumb. A five year old child could tell you who the real bad guy and traitor is.

Jones, Snipes and the rest of the cast do a workmanlike job. But this one is for easy to please action/adventure fans.