With a cast including Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta, I expected Basic to be an above average action thriller. The two established themselves as a strong pairing in Pulp Fiction almost ten years prior, but despite this there was reason to be apprehensive. For one thing, the movie is now being shown on Cinemax, about a year after its initial release in theatres. While Basic proves itself viewable, despite countless plot twists and mystery that lingers until the end, it is really nothing more than a typical action film.

The film begins in Panama, where a challenging but routine training mission goes terribly awry, leaving several rangers missing. One of the survivors isn’t responding to traditional army means of interrogation, leading to a call for help from an outside source. Enter Hardy (Travolta), a DEA agent recently under investigation for accepting bribes. Osborne (Connie Nielsen), the interrogator on site, is appalled that the army would resort to such means. At this point, the old cliché ensues, as the tough as nails female figure is first disgusted by the untraditional ways and forwardness of her male counterpart, only to later show a romantic interest in him.

As the plot progresses, Hardy and Osborne work their way through the series of events leading to four out of six rangers and an esteemed drill sergeant either dead or missing. The phrase “Trust no one” certainly applies to this movie, as each interaction brings as many new questions as answers. In the end, the seemingly infinite plot twists proved too much, as it is unlikely anyone could fully grasp this story after one viewing. In addition, this is one movie it is best not analyzed, as you will likely walk away frustrated.

In the end, the sum of the parts far exceed whole. As expected, Travolta and Jackson do their best to save a mediocre script, with a little help along the way from Nielsen. Yes, there are plot holes, but this movie should be viewed strictly as entertainment only. One final question though… Is anyone else tired of a character being relieved of a case or investigation only to later disobey authority and become the hero?