Enemy of the State

Enemy of the State is an intense thriller that still holds up today, maybe even more so with how technology and surveillance have evolved. The pacing is spot-on, keeping things moving without feeling rushed or dragging. Sure, the technical details are wildly inaccurate, but that doesn't really matter when the movie is this engaging. Watching it now, a lot of what seemed far-fetched back in 1998 doesn’t feel as impossible anymore, which makes it even more compelling. Will Smith carries the film effortlessly, balancing charm, panic, and determination in a way that keeps you invested. Then there's Brill, played by Gene Hackman, who adds that perfect mix of paranoia and experience, making their dynamic one of the highlights. The cinematography does a great job shifting perspectives at just the right moments, pulling you into the feeling of always being watched. It’s not flawless, and there are some odd creative choices here and there, but nothing that takes away from the experience. The sound design and score are decent, though nothing particularly memorable, which works fine since it doesn’t take anything away from the film. What really makes Enemy of the State work is its energy and tension, it never lets up, and it keeps you engaged the whole way through. If you’re into high-stakes thrillers with a strong cast and a story that feels more relevant now than when it first came out, this one is definitely worth revisiting.

I love a good conspiracy movie. Especially when it's a well thought out one. This movie was well thought out and had the perfect actors to do it.

**Enemy of the State is an underrated action thriller that might not innovate the genre but definitely entertains!** A paranoid conspiracy action thriller with Tony Scott flair. Scott has directed some of my favorite movies, and while this one isn’t on the top of my list, it’s still a fantastic suspense espionage flick with all the government secrecy of Jason Bourne but without most of the action. Will Smith and Gene Hackman struggle to escape the tightening net of corrupt government officials and mercenaries and can only survive by using their own surveillance and subterfuge against them. Enemy of the State might not bring anything new to the genre, but it is one of the better wrongfully accused crooked politician movies out there. While the technology of the film was advanced at the time, it is now dated, but thankfully, it doesn’t distract much from the overall film. From the director of Top Gun and Man on Fire, Enemy of the State is an entertaining, fast-paced thriller with a hint of Christmas.