Does the film draw and hold the viewer's attention?
Granted, many of the criticisms have merit, and the fact that Pitt panned "The Devil's Own" before its release gives even more weight to them. Does plot integrity exist? No, the teller of the tale seems to have easily diverted to a "Serpico"-like subplot to justify one-too-many leading men. The film forces the audience to either keep its eyes open to avoid plot holes (and thus become cynics), or to close them and pretend that those holes really aren't that big (thereby suspending disbelief). Maybe too many Irish clichés? Yes, the "wearin' o' the green" theme never abates. Does plausibility take a backseat to expediency? Yes, in both plot and action.
Still, it held together as a drama. You root for the good guys and hiss at the villains. Pitt's ability to affect the audience speaks to his acting ability. Harrison Ford comes across as, well, Harrison Ford, but then he's not the true protagonist. Still, his presence gives gravity to the moral dilemma of "to rat, or not to rat."
So, in answer to the original question, the answer is yes.
Granted, many of the criticisms have merit, and the fact that Pitt panned "The Devil's Own" before its release gives even more weight to them. Does plot integrity exist? No, the teller of the tale seems to have easily diverted to a "Serpico"-like subplot to justify one-too-many leading men. The film forces the audience to either keep its eyes open to avoid plot holes (and thus become cynics), or to close them and pretend that those holes really aren't that big (thereby suspending disbelief). Maybe too many Irish clichés? Yes, the "wearin' o' the green" theme never abates. Does plausibility take a backseat to expediency? Yes, in both plot and action.
Still, it held together as a drama. You root for the good guys and hiss at the villains. Pitt's ability to affect the audience speaks to his acting ability. Harrison Ford comes across as, well, Harrison Ford, but then he's not the true protagonist. Still, his presence gives gravity to the moral dilemma of "to rat, or not to rat."
So, in answer to the original question, the answer is yes.