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The Formula (1980)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:10
Fresh:3
Rotten:7
Average Rating:4.7/10
Runtime: 1 hr 57 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: Director John G. Avildsen's mystery thriller, adapted by Steve Shagan from his best-selling novel, stars George C. Scott as police officer Barney Caine, who uncovers a mysterious secret while... Director John G. Avildsen's mystery thriller, adapted by Steve Shagan from his best-selling novel, stars George C. Scott as police officer Barney Caine, who uncovers a mysterious secret while investigating the murder of a friend. During World War II, a German general had in his possession a valuable formula for synthetic fuel. He was kidnapped by U.S. major Robin Clarke, who stole the secret. Decades later, Clarke is murdered, and the documents that contain the formula disappear once again. Caine sets out to solve the murder and find the missing papers. During his investigation, Caine discovers that his buddy engaged in numerous underhanded activities and that the people he questions develop a strange habit of dying violently. In his struggles to unearth the truth, Caine comes face-to-face with powerful oil magnate Adam Steiffel (Marlon Brando), who will stop at nothing to keep the top-secret formula hidden. A daring suspense film, THE FORMULA highlights the charismatic acting of Scott and Brando. [More]
Starring: George C. Scott, Marlon Brando, Marthe Keller, John Gielgud
Starring: George C. Scott, Marlon Brando, Marthe Keller, John Gielgud, G.D. Spradlin
Director: John G. Avildsen
Director: John G. Avildsen
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Release:
Apr 26, 2007
Reviews for The Formula
Only Marlon Brando in a small role as a daffy oil tycoon gives the film some spark.
its completely muddled plot is a disaster: There can be no joy in unraveling a plot that is a mystery even to itself.
The murder scene is littered with so many red herrings it might as well be a delicatessen.
The Formula is an intriguing thriller that raises many questions about business ethics and the moral bankruptcy of the very rich.
A potentially fascinating subject is torpedoed by an overplotted and overloaded script, and opaque direction.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 15% 15% | The Ugly Truth |
| 98% 98% | Up |
| 36% 36% | G.I. Joe: The Rise of … |
| 52% 52% | The Taking of Pelham 1… |
| 45% 45% | Ice Age: Dawn of the D… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 45% 45% | Shorts |
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