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Movies / On DVD / The Formula
The Formula

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The Formula (1980)

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30 %
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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

[See More Credits]

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Release:

Apr 26, 2007

[DVD Details]
 
 
  • A detective uncovers a formula that was devised by the Nazis in WWII, to make gasoline from synthetic products, thereby eliminating the necessity for oil --- and oil companies. A major oil company uncovers this and tries to destroy the formula and anyone who knows about it.
  • Source: VCI Home Enteraintment
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    Reviews for The Formula

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    Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
    03/26/09
    Variety
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    plays like a tedious checklist of murders without a score card.

    Full Review Source: Filmcritic.com | comment Comment
    01/25/09
    Paul Brenner
    Filmcritic.com

    Only Marlon Brando in a small role as a daffy oil tycoon gives the film some spark.

    Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews | comment Comment
    08/30/08
    Dennis Schwartz
    Ozus' World Movie Reviews

    Laborious

    Full Review Source: Time Out | comment Comment
    01/26/06
    Tom Milne
    Time Out

    No review available.

    comment Comment
    11/04/05
    Michael Szymanski
    International Press Academy

    No review available.

    comment Comment
    09/01/05
    Chuck O'Leary
    Fantastica Daily

    No review available.

    comment Comment
    07/03/05
    Emanuel Levy
    EmanuelLevy.Com

    its completely muddled plot is a disaster: There can be no joy in unraveling a plot that is a mystery even to itself.

    Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times | comment Comment
    10/23/04
    Roger Ebert
    Chicago Sun-Times
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    The murder scene is littered with so many red herrings it might as well be a delicatessen.

    Full Review Source: New York Times | comment 1 Comment
    08/30/04
    Janet Maslin
    New York Times
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    The Formula is an intriguing thriller that raises many questions about business ethics and the moral bankruptcy of the very rich.

    Full Review Source: Spirituality and Practice | comment Comment
    01/29/04
    Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
    Spirituality and Practice

    A potentially fascinating subject is torpedoed by an overplotted and overloaded script, and opaque direction.

    Full Review Source: Channel 4 Film | comment Comment
    05/24/03
    Channel 4 Film
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic
     
     
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