Starring: Steven Seagal
L. Q. Jones, Gailaid Sartain, Silas Weir Mitchel
and introducing Camille Belle as Holly
Directed by: Dean Senler
Rated: R for language and gore
Length: 90 minutes
Released in 1999
Based on the book: THE LAST CANADIAN by William Heine

Seagal plays Wesley McClaren, a Montana rancher and an immunologist gone country doctor, who practices 'alternative medicine'. When a bio-chemical weapon is let loose on his small-town home, he plows through a Neo-nazi group to protect his daughter, who has built up an immunity to the virus. Using his CIA's connections he finds out why his family is not contracting the disease.

Jones plays McClaren's ranch and general handyman, a part he's played so often it looks like he's caught on hidden camera.

One of the main players in this vehicle is the Montana landscape. The director of photography, Stephen F. Windon, and director, Dean Senler, give this player creative control by alluding to panaramic views in such a way that you don't feel the country is being rammed down your throat.

The same can be said for the statements of paradox that Seagal makes, as he puts together this film. Eastern and Western medicine, Americans and Native Americans. Herbs and bio-chemical weapons. CIA and the little guy. Patriot is not really a typical Seagal move, though he continues his 'statement' policy here as he did in 'Fire Down Below' and 'On Deadly Ground'. It's rated R for blood and spit, and profanity, but it is still not as violent as the Seagal tradition would dictate.

When commenting on the film, Seagal's official Web Site reads:

"With filming 'The Patriot', Seagal entered the world of independent filmmaking. Indeed he has accomplished something so few have done in a short time, bringing his remarkable skills to the independent world and assembling an impressive team of financiers and filmmakers."

I tend to agree. A couple of treats that you'll find in this movie: his true life daughter, Ayako, plays his medical assistant; and Camille Belle, who plays Holly. This may be Belle's first role, but she's an amazing young woman, who knows how lite a warm wick in your heart.

The movie has flaws, but not as many as some blockbusters I've seen, and can be easily covered up by talent, scenery, statements and characters. Even if you're not a Seagal fan, this one'll do it for ya.