The Park Is Mine

1985
6| 1h42m| en
Details

A Vietnam vet takes forceful control of Central Park to remember those who served and died in the Vietnam War.

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Reviews

Nonureva Really Surprised!
Voxitype Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.
Tymon Sutton The acting is good, and the firecracker script has some excellent ideas.
Janis One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.
Woodyanders Disaffected Vietnam veteran Mitch (the almighty Tommy Lee Jones in fine rugged form) decides to take over Central Park in New York City so he can raise public awareness about the shamefully neglected plight of fellow Vietnam veterans and other overlooked less fortunate folks.Director Steven Hilliard Stern treats the delightfully ludicrous premise with utmost seriousness, keeps the gripping story moving along at a brisk pace, and generates plenty of tension. Lyle Gorch's compelling and provocative script offers lots of spot-on stinging social commentary on America's appalling apathy towards Vietnam war veterans and everyday people who feel like they have no control over their lives. Moreover, the sound acting by the able cast keeps this picture humming: Helen Shaver as pesky eager beaver TV reporter Valery, Yaphet Kotto as compassionate cop Eubanks, Lawrence Dane as slimy police commissioner Keller, Peter Dversky as equally smarmy deputy mayor Dix, and Gale Garnett as Mitch's fed-up estranged ex-wife Rachel. Sporting gnarly mirror shades and funky camouflage face paint, Jones cuts a cool and commanding figure as the deeply flawed, yet still sympathetic Mitch. Kudos are also in order for Laszlo George's slick cinematography and the marvelously moody score by Tangerine Dream. Granted, this movie isn't remotely plausible for a minute (for example, the corrupt city officials hire a couple of scumbag mercenaries to take out Mitch after the general public embrace Mitch as an everyman folk hero!), but it's this infectiously delirious sense of giddy absurdity combined with a certain lovably cockeyed sincerity that gives this flick its uniquely wacky 80's charm.
Wizard-8 The premise of this movie - a lone ex-soldier unraveling a plan to take over New York's Central Park singlehanded and managing to keep the police at bay over several days - does seem kind of hard to swallow. However, with the way the movie is executed, you'll almost believe it could happen. The movie does have a good amount of merit to it. While it's a mid-'80s Canadian movie, the production values are surprisingly good; this movie obviously had a budget. Tommy Lee Jones gives a fairly commanding performance at the Vietnam vet with a plan, and there are other good performances by Helen Shaver as the curious news reporter, and Yaphet Kotto as a chief police officer (though he's given little to do until near the ending.) Director Steven Hilliard Stern creates some good action sequences and keeps things moving at a rapid rate. Though maybe the movie is a little bit too swift; we hardly learn anything about Jones' character at the beginning, and before the twenty minute mark he's already taken over the park. Some people may be offended that Jones' Vietnam vet character is yet another cinematic Vietnam vet who is a "loser" (unemployed, estranged from his wife, etc.), despite surveys that show that most Vietnam vets in real life are adjusted and happy. But if you can look over this "loser" portrayal, chances are you'll find some enjoyment with this movie.
Tom Rennen I can't imagine Tommy Lee Jones in anything bad... His performance here is solid and believable although a bit hammy at times.... What I like about this movie is the story... With the current state of affairs in the USA at the present time...(2007) It seems very relevant...Everyone seems to be asleep .. Too preoccupied with their cell phones and Ipods to notice what is going on around them. This movie really grabs you... Too bad this doesn't happen in real life! You still find yourself rooting for the guy who you know is doing wrong but his justification is beyond what is legal.. it's simply the right thing to do! Good supporting cast and Helen Shaver does a good job as the objective reporter. It is an old theme but still a very powerful one and all the key elements are there. Sometimes you have to put your selfish desires aside and find the strength to do what is right even though it may not be popular.If you like a story with a solid message, decent acting and a few thrills for good measure, I recommend The Park Is Mine!
Michael O'Keefe You might say this is a passionate action movie. Probably did not cost much to make, but is somewhat interesting. Tommy Lee Jones plays a veteran from the Vietnamese conflict and he wants to raise awareness to how veterans, the elderly and underprivileged are overlooked. He decides to take Central Park hostage. Then he is forced to defend his position with gunfire. Who said all is fair in love and war?Also in the cast are Helen Shaver and Yaphet Kotto. Not too far fetched; and this movie does grab your attention.