[4]

George C. Scott stars as a police officer who follows a murder case that gets him embroiled in a mystery involving the Nazis and big oil. The film’s ahead of its time in vilifying the oil companies, represented here by none other than Marlon Brando. Scott’s character hits the nail on the head when he tells Brando: “You’re not in the oil business, you’re in the oil shortage business!” But as prescient as the conflict may be, it doesn’t make for the best kind of movie drama. The Formula lacks action and visceral thrills and the third act boils down to a mild argument in a high-rise office. Even with two Oscar winners in the roles, it’s hard to get excited. With John Gielgud, G.D. Spradlin, and Beatrice Straight. Directed by John G. Avildsen (Rocky, The Karate Kid).