The Postman ** (1997, Kevin Costner, Will Patton, Olivia Williams, Larenz Tate) – Classic Movie Review 2543

Kevin Costner’s self-directed 1997 post-apocalyptic epic, the land equivalent of Waterworld, got the thumbs down almost everywhere, though it has its impressive moments in that dreadfully long running time of 180 minutes.

It’s 2013, and nuclear war has left a few scattered communities trying to rebuild civilisation where there used to be America. Costner plays The Postman, a drifter who ekes out a meagre existence by speaking Shakespeare to the surviving localities.

Later, he rebels against the neo-fascist army of General Bethlehem (Will Patton). He puts on a US Post uniform and tells stories of a restored US government, bringing hope to the community. He falls in love with a local woman (Olivia Williams), and, when she is kidnapped by the General, the stage is set for the final showdown.

Costner’s acting is okay, but a miscast Patton overplays his hand in a leering, lip-smacking performance. A never-exciting film rambles, never properly coming in to focus, and the climax is very so-what? But the film’s ambitions, visual style and grandeur can be appreciated.

Overall, though, this turgidly handled movie just isn’t really quite compelling or thrilling enough to be worth three hours of anyone’s time.

Also in the cast are Larenz Tate, James Russo, Daniel von Bargen, Tom Petty as the Bridge City Mayor, Scott Bairstow, Giovanni Ribisi, Roberta Maxwell, Joe Santos, Ron McLarty, Peggy Lipton, Brian Anthony Wilson, Todd Allen, Rex Linn, Shawn Hatosy, Ryan Hurst, Charles Esten and Anne Costner.

Rock legend Tom Petty died on 2 September 2017 at 66 after a massive cardiac arrest. RIP.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 2543

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