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Déjà vu…what is it? Some may say that seeing Denzel Washington in the role of a police investigator in the guise of a government ATF agent is
déjà vu. While Denzel has exhibited a capability for excelling in a wide range of roles, we might tend to think that this kind of persona is his favorite. I won’t count the films he has done where his character is of this ilk. Nevertheless, Denzel’s performances are always top-drawer and he is excellent in this role as Doug Carlin, ATF agent, in the new film “Déjà Vu”. By the way, Denzel being cast in this role is not the reason for the name…but you probably already know that.
I have a number of other general comments I’d like to offer before we get into the specifics of this outing. Internet’s IMDb.com lists the following genres for this movie: Action / Adventure / Romance / Sci-Fi / Thriller…something for everyone, except the very young kiddies. Too bad, so sad. Take the little buggers to see the penguin movie! More to the point, because it fits into so many genres, this flick must be one for many teens through adults. I really liked the film, but some of you may not be able to buy into some of the science fiction aspects. I won’t say more about this because that would spoil it for those who choose to see the film.
Finally, in my lengthy preamble here, I would like to say that the test of whether you should take a chance on seeing “Déjà Vu” can best be summed up this way…it’s the kind of film you really enjoy if you can allow yourself to accept certain premises. That’s not a lot different from any kind of story telling. The film starts out as a pretty straightforward thriller but, once the movie gets going, those sci-fi premises are revealed.
The story revolves around the investigation of a murder and a horrendous terrorist bomb attack on a New Orleans ferry carrying hundreds of Navy personnel and their families to a Mardi Gras celebration. As ATF agent Carlin, Denzel manages to bring some new and appropriate nuances to the role. Paula Patton turns in splendid performance as the unfortunate murder victim. The main cast is filled out with Val Kilmer playing Agent Pryzwarra, James Caviezel as villain Carroll Oerstadt, Bruce Greenwood as Jack McCready, and many other excellent actors in supporting roles.
I found “Déjà Vu” to be fast moving, suspenseful, and ultimately romantic. Accepting all of its premises, I rate it a B+ on Ellen's Entertainment Report Card. I might add that my husband thought it deserved an A!
As a postscript, this was the first movie to be filmed in New Orleans after the Katrina disaster, and the film actors and crew are reported to have infused $100 million dollars into the economy with their presence. Some brief moments are shown in the film of the hurricane catastrophic effects. They serve to remind us of the enormity of that natural disaster, as well as the on-going difficulties the people of New Orleans continue to face.
MPAA RATING: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and terror, disturbing images and some sensuality
WRITTEN BY: Bill Marsilii and Terry Rossio
DIRECTED BY: Tony Scott
RELEASE DATE: Theatrical: November 22, 2006
RUNNING TIME: 128 minutes, Color
ORIGIN: USA