Eraser (1996)

User Rating:

5.9/10   

Director:

Chuck Russell

Writers (WGA):

Tony Puryear (story) and
Walon Green (story) ...

Release Date:

21 June 1996 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

Tagline:

He will erase your past to protect your future.

Plot:

A Witness Protection specialist becomes suspicious of his co-workers when dealing with a case involving high-tech weapons.

Plot Keywords:

Witness | Weapon | U.S. Marshal | FBI | Protection

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Arnold Schwarzenegger	...	U.S. Marshal John 'The Eraser' Kruger
James Caan	...	U.S. Marshal Robert Deguerin
Vanessa Williams	...	Lee Cullen
James Coburn	...	WitSec Chief Beller
Robert Pastorelli	...	Johnny Casteleone
James Cromwell	...	William Donohue
Danny Nucci	...	WitSec Deputy Monroe
Andy Romano	...	Undersecretary of Defense Daniel Harper
Nick Chinlund	...	WitSec Agent Calderon
Michael Papajohn	...	WitSec Agent Schiffer
Joe Viterelli	...	Tony Two-Toes
Mark Rolston	...	J. Scar
John Slattery	...	FBI Agent Corman
Robert Miranda	...	Frediano
Roma Maffia	...	Claire Isaacs

MPAA:

Rated R for violent action throughout and some language.

Runtime:

115 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | SDDS | DTS

Certification:

Canada:14 (Nova Scotia) | Canada:16+ (Quebec) | Canada:AA (Ontario) | Canada:PA (Manitoba) | USA:R (certificate #34624) | Iceland:16 | Netherlands:12 | South Korea:15 | Philippines:R-18 | Australia:MA | UK:15 (video rating) (heavily cut) | UK:15 (uncut version, re-rating) | New Zealand:R16 | Argentina:16 | Belgium:KT | Chile:18 | Denmark:16 | Finland:K-16 | Germany:16 (w) | Italy:T | Norway:18 | Portugal:M/12 | Singapore:PG | Spain:18 | Sweden:15 | UK:18 (original rating) (cut)

Filming Locations:

Borough Hall, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Trivia:

When Kruger comes to Lee's house, he has "LETS PARTY" [sic] printed on the back of his jacket. This is a reference to Commando (1985) in which Arnold Schwarzenegger says that line to Vernon Wells.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: When Donahue shoots himself, the glass behind him shatters before his head recoils.

Quotes:

John: Don't move, you're dead.
[takes a photo]

Movie Connections:

Featured in "HBO First Look: Eraser (#3.4)" (1996)

Soundtrack:

That's Amore

"You're luggage"

Before T3 was released, this was the last good Ahnuld movie. Although not one of his very best, this remains an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours. He plays John Kruger, who works in the Witness Protection Program, erasing the identities of the vulnerable to secure their future. His latest assignment is to protect Vanessa Williams, who has information on some heavy duty weapons. Although logic is not one of the film's strong points, I really don't mind. Since this is a Schwarzenegger vehicle, I expect certain things, i.e. high body count, great one liners, and some dark humor. Thankfully, those elements are evident. James Caan does a respectable job and Robert Pastorelli adds some comic relief.

Rating: *** (out of ****)