Article 99 is a 1992 American comedy-drama film directed by Howard Deutch and written by Ron Cutler. It was produced by Orion Pictures and stars Kiefer Sutherland, Ray Liotta, Forest Whitaker, John C. McGinley, Rutanya Alda and Lea Thompson. The soundtrack was composed by Danny Elfman. The film's title supposedly refers to a legal loophole, which states that unless an illness/injury is related to military service, a veteran is not eligible for VA hospital benefits.
Dr. Richard Sturgess leads a team of compassionate doctors at a veteran's hospital. Along with Drs. Morgan, Handleman and Van Dorn, he fights to deliver adequate care to needy veterans in the face of funding cuts and corruption.
***SPOILER ALERT***
F: Well, let me start by saying that I feel the need to murder someone just to balance out all the kindness and goodness overdose this movie gave me. Article 99 excessively fantasizes with the idea of human kindness and empathy. I could roll with it in the beginning and was able to cast my natural cynicism aside and believe in the intentions of our main characters. But, when you get near the end, that kindness is already on Pluto, simply too much. I even bet that the hospital director, after the credits roll, had a change of heart and had a group hug with all his former doctors after apologizing for being the only douchebag in the movie.
K: Wow, Freddie! What a reaction you got after the movie! I had no desire to kill anyone, instead, the film lulled me perfectly and I watched the last part of the pompous celebration of universal justice and kindness with half-closed eyes. I can say with confidence that they overdid it with sweetness. And it may even have been Howard Deutch's intention. He made a satire to laugh about the rotten American bureaucracy in the medical system. As we Russians say, all of this would be funny if it weren't so sad.
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| "You want some proof? Here's some mothafuckin' proof." |
F: I think Ray Liotta was great though, in the midst of all the screaming virtuousness, and patriotic trumpet music he was still relatable and likable. Kiefer Sutherland? Not that much. He came out a little ridiculous when he showed his feelings for the old man who died. Maybe he should have been quiet and then his nurse friend could have given him the cup of coffee at that moment. There, I fixed it for you, Ron Cutler (writer). Ron must have been too high on ecstasy when he wrote this movie script.
K: It's an amazing cast. How many famous actors are there? And Ray Liotta certainly shines here in the new role of the brave doctor. He is very charismatic and emotional. He inspires. And it leaves you to believe that probably still exist doctors who are ready to break the rules, no matter what threatens them, in order to save the life of just one patient.
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| I was not expecting that. A shame we didn't got "any" to add to our special collection. |
F: I was surprised to see so many well-known actors together also. I was especially surprised to see John C. McGinley acting as a doctor, you know, because of doctor Perry from the TV show "Scrubs". It's the same character!
All in all, I like how the movie criticizes the medical system and its way of treating war veterans. Article 99 is not a real thing but it does concern a real clause that renders many ex-soldiers ineligible for medical benefits. If they can't prove their ailments were directly related to military service, there's no pay. Ain't that a bitch?
I like the movie comedy bits and the spirit of camaraderie between the doctors and staff. It would be awesome if every medical student could watch this movie and feel inspired by it. What a better world that would be. π
If you want to have a laugh and indulge yourself in ultra-positive shot that will make you throw up rainbows and intact cotton candy, this movie is the right one for you.
K: Totally agree with you Freddie! This film should be on the list of must-watch movies of every medical student, just like "Patch Adams" with Robin Williams. π’
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| Goodbye Ray. |
Freddy's Score: 58/100
Krasnaya's Score: 47/100
FINAL SCORE
RAY LIOTTA INTERVIEW
KEIFER SUTHERLAND INTERVIEW
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