Brakathor The whole premise of this movie is really pretty stupid. Not so much the simple idea of holding a park illegally for a time as some sort of social statement, which to me seems only stupid, insane and pointless from the characters point of view, but especially the idea that the place was able to be so perfectly trapped without the guy getting caught over the length of a year. Firstly most of the traps are right out in the open, and there's no way these would have gone undetected in this time: roadside bombs, bombs in car trunks, dug out pits for people to fall into, bombs all over the forrested areas. To put that in perspective, he would have to be carrying hundreds of detonators with him; prety laughbale and hard to keep track of. Secondly, half of them are just so conveniently at the right place at the right time as is Mitch in order to defend himself.If not the worst aspect though, then at least no less damning to the film, is the reaction of the police. They don't even TRY to reason with him. He doesn't even have any hostages, has made no threats, and has asked for no ransom, and the police forces recklessly break into the park and launch assault after assault on him, risking many lives, clearly for cheap entertainment value, because honestly if this film was even slightly realistic, it would be pretty damn boring from THIS director, who I doubt could really capture much emotional depth which this movie for the mostpart fails to do aside from a few little contrived moments.I decided to check this movie out just to see what they came up with, but in the end it really was not worth it. Don't bother with this film unless you're a Tommy Lee Jones fan who in fact does act the part fairly well. Instead, watch a REAL hostage type film like "Dog Day Afternoon", you'll likely be much less disappointed.

lost-in-limbo Think of Rambo, but more tone down in the violence and having a political angle focusing on how certain situations / individuals are undeservedly swept under the rug. 'The Park is Mine' is a passable, up-tempo little made-for-TV feature. Even with it's firework shows, expensive set-up and unique setting with , it's still merely low scale where at the heart it's all about the one man standing up for the underprivileged. At times it can manipulate, but manages to be respectable and hardly overwrought. It can be a fascinating tussle between Tommy Lee Jones' character and political big-heads, as what eventuates is a circus-show for the crowds and media. Some actions are a bit unbelievable; however you seem to take it with a grain of slat.A Vietnam veteran takes over the plans of his now deceased war-time buddy (who committed suicide) who had thought-up an idea to take over Central Park for 72 hours, before Veterans Day. He eventually goes ahead and sets the plan in motion, where he doesn't intend to hurt anyone, but to only grab everyone's attention. However some powerful figures don't like this and try to change the situation (by any dirty means) in their favour, so society don't side with the vet and paint them in the wrong. Also a media reporter also finds herself caught up in it all when she tries to get closer to the action.His definitely gotta plan. Packed with ammo, a lot of ammo. The material is formulaic, but tactically trimmed to suit Steven Hilliard Stern's tidy direction and sustained tension. I found it to get better the further along it goes, as the tricks and themes turn to the real thing. 'The Tangerine Dream' contributes a bellowing score that overwhelms the joint, but I don't believe to be as bad as a lot seem to make sound. Performances shape up pretty well. Tommy Lee Jones superbly instills a hard, tough shell to his character, but one we can feel and root for too. He's no troublesome, or unstable person, but someone that just wants to make a difference. A wonderfully affable Helen Shaver adds plenty of kick to her role and Yaphet Kotto provides some serious class. Lawrence Dane is picture-perfect as the scummy Commissioner.

WillCAD The idea is absurd - a Vietnam veteran who feels that Vietnam vets have been poorly treated by the country they served decides to single-handedly take control of New Yorks Central Park by force of arms as a social protest.But the vet is dyeing of cancer (courtesy of agent orange exposure during the war) and commits suicide before he can complete his plan. So instead, he leaves a long letter to his war buddy Mitch (Tommy Lee Jones), asking him to complete the plan in his place.At first, Mitch thinks the plan is as crazy as... well, as it is. But after a series of disappointing encounters with his ex-wife, his landlord, and some snotty NYPD cops, he gets angry enough to complete the plan and take over Central Park, keeping everyone out with explosive booby traps and gunfire (blanks at first) for 48 hours until Veteran's Day.The city administration is understandably upset by this action, and after a police assault to capture Mitch fails, they hire a pair of mercenaries to simply kill him.Complicating matters is an overly ambitious TV reporter (Helen Shaver) who sneaks into the park on her own to try for an interview, and a Swat team leader (Yaphet Koto) who sympathizes with Mitch but wants him out of the park as much as the administration.This movie has it all - action, suspense, drama, a few unsuspected twists, and an ending that leaves you feeling both happy and sad at the same time.Originally made for HBO in 1985, this excellent action flick has unfortunately never been released on DVD. But with so much TV being released on DVD these days, I have hope that one day soon I will be able to add The Park Is Mine to my DVD collection.

Bayjohn Tommy Lee Jones does his part to hold this movie together, and that's about the only thing going for it. The plot about one man taking over Central Park (!) is highly improbable, but makes for a good Saturday afternoon action flick. Don't put a lot of thought into this movie, just enjoy it for what it is!