La Relève

The Rookie can confidently be categorized as part of Clint Eastwood's later works. Before he became an attentive and sensitive director-actor, he struggled with varying success in action films. His heroes were mostly uncompromising tough guys and always came out victorious, the same can be said in this case. Thank goodness for Charlie Sheen, who is pleasantly confident as a rookie and knows exactly what he is playing. The legendary Raul Julia doesn't get much space and the action is, of course, typically Hollywood – the bigger the explosion, the better. I'm not criticizing the director, but the screenplay is pure routine without a hint of invention or an attempt to break free from the standard American action clichés. There is not much here that can captivate the viewer, just a few lines and excellent observations. (26/02/2007)

A typical action comedy from the nineties packed with well-worn catchphrases, big explosions, Clint Eastwood, Charlie Sheen, and a high body count. (01/09/2007)