Second Nature (2003)

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

A Masterpiece!

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

As happens more often than expected, I was tricked again by an opening scene. Crappy flashback shots, a guy in a hospital bed and uninspired opening credits. Oh-oh...Fortunately, the movie is not as lousy as the first scene. Helped by the 'stay cool' performance of Baldwin and Lombard, it is a fair watch. The plot is interesting, and it's good that they don't spoil the surprise quickly. The thing that ruins it a bit though is that the 'brainwash' method is portrayed very clumsily. Instead of showing a guy with electrodes on his head while watching pre-acted memories, why not simply a brain implant? Now, it really looks like a bad science fiction fantasy, which invades the further part of the story.

Second Nature is a British production filmed mostly in the UK. Alec Baldwin plays an assassin working covertly for the U.S. government, who's recently recovered from injuries suffered in a plane crash in which his wife and two young daughters were killed. His first assignment upon returning to work goes badly wrong, and he subsequently discovers that his employers are trying to kill him. But whilst on the run, he begins to realise that aspects of his past don't make sense, and he may not be who he thinks he is.More interested in suspense as opposed to action, Second Nature is an entertaining thriller, with several unexpected twists. A large part of the fun in seeing various familiar British faces turn up in blink-and-you'll-miss-it bit parts: for example, Casualty's Georgina Bouzova as an airport check-in girl, and Lucy Punch from Hot Fuzz as a car hire rep. The biggest surprise is TV presenter and occasional actress Daisy Donovan, looking absolutely stunning in a small but important role as a woman from Baldwin's past. The camera positively adores her in this movie.

It's a shame that quality actors like Baldwin and Booth have to succumb to lousy stories and scripts just for the money. But, hey, it's a cruel world...This is just another one of a long line of assassin thrillers that use all the usual narrative twists to try to make it appear more appealing than it is. Sure, it has some nice locations, it's a slick production, there is some good camera work and editing, and it's fairly well paced, overall.So, what's the real problem? Quite simply, the whole premise is just totally unbelievable. However, instead of spoiling a rotten story for you, I'll let you find out what it's all about, that is, if you can get through it. I managed, but only because I like Baldwin and I kept hoping that it would get better.It didn't. And, it had one of the most anti-climactic endings that I've seen for a long time. In fact, maybe never...But, it's harmless fun, I guess, if you've got nothing better to do.

A most intriguing action/thriller. The movie is extremely watchable - partly thanks to it's made for TV rating and gearing is about perfect. Not an overly complicated film. Alec Baldwin is cast ala "Teacher" in George Dawes Green's The Juror. He's a nebulous assassin type, keeps you guessing, but you know he has skill and know how. The refreshing part is you aren't sure what motivates him or where he got his training or why. Baldwin is king of this style casting. If you like action where get spoon feed and learn as the movie goes, you'll like this. I don't see anyone really guessing where this is headed while you view the movie. Too unique. Throws a high punch and while you see that coming, catches you in the stomach with a quick jab. I've always been a fan of programs like Magnum PI and Simon and Simon, and this movie caters to speed and plot like these shows did so well. As good as any other "7" action flick for my rental dollar.