Twelve Monkeys (1995)

The plot

The world has been devastated by a deadly virus that has killed about 5 billion people, starting from the US passing to many other countries, in 1996. James Cole is sent on time travel to the past, first 1990 and then 1996. The purpose of this time travel is to find the source of the virus in its purest form so that scientists in the present can find a cure for this virus and help humans regain control over the planet. Animals have taken over the planet in the present day world.

In 1990, he is sent to a mental hospital where he meets Jeffrey Goines a lunatic whose father is a famous virologist. He also meets a psychiatrist Kathryn Railly who is intrigued by his prepositions that the world has already seen the loss of 5 billion people. She doesn’t believe what he says at first but later accepts as events unfold according to what he says because he has already seen everything happen before.

In 1996, he meets the psychiatrist again and they both are on a mad race to find the source of this man made virus and the mystery surrounding the army of the twelve monkeys

An intriguing sci-fi movie which is complex at the same time highly understandable thanks to a brilliant screenplay.  

                                                                           

Hits

• Brad Pitt as the lunatic Jeffrey Goines brings out the most flamboyant crazy act seen in movies. The accent, the gestures, the crazy smiles and the hyperactive expressions are all worth watching again and again.
• Bruce Willis is overshadowed by Pitt when they are in the same frame. But, his performance is also very good as the disturbed James Cole, who is confused whether he is really lunatic or whether what he visualizes and believes are true.
• Madeleine Stowe as the psychiatrist Railly looks so cute and adorable. One of the prettiest women around for sure and a highly competent performance as the frustrated and desperate Kathryn Railly.  
• Brilliant concept aided by a very fast screenplay. Never a dull moment. Seat edge moments galore. 

Misses

• Some confusing moments. I assume that the most competent among the dead 5 billion, are in the time machine and volunteers are sent on a time travel to gather information on the virus. 

VERDICT

The brilliant concept, Brad Pitt's natural talent showcase, Madeleine Stowe's super pretty face and a typically brooding Bruce Willis make this movie a must watch.