The movie begins with a group of rogue U.S. Force Recon Marines led by Brigadier General Francis X. Hummel (played by Ed Harris) who seize control of Alcatraz Island, taking 81 tourists hostage and threatening to launch rockets armed with deadly VX nerve gas into San Francisco unless their demands are met. Hummel, a decorated war hero, is disillusioned with the U.S. government’s treatment of fallen soldiers and wants compensation for their families.
To deal with the situation, the FBI enlists the help of Stanley Goodspeed (played by Nicolas Cage), a young chemical weapons specialist, and John Mason (played by Sean Connery), a former British SAS captain and the only person to have escaped from Alcatraz. Goodspeed and Mason are tasked with infiltrating the island, disarming the rockets, and saving the hostages before the deadline.
As Goodspeed and Mason navigate the treacherous tunnels and defenses of Alcatraz, they encounter fierce resistance from Hummel’s men. Along the way, Mason reveals that the real reason he was imprisoned on Alcatraz was his knowledge of government secrets, including the location of microfilm containing highly sensitive information.
In the climax of the film, Goodspeed manages to disarm the rockets just moments before they are set to launch, preventing a catastrophic attack on San Francisco. Meanwhile, Mason confronts Hummel and his remaining men, ultimately defeating them and putting an end to their plan.
In the aftermath, Hummel’s grievances are revealed to the public, and the government agrees to compensate the families of the fallen soldiers. Mason is granted a full pardon and allowed to go free, while Goodspeed returns to his normal life, having proven himself as a capable hero.
“The Rock” is praised for its high-octane action sequences, suspenseful plot, and strong performances from its cast. Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage deliver standout performances as the unlikely duo tasked with saving the day, while Ed Harris brings depth and complexity to the role of the sympathetic antagonist. The film’s intense action and gripping storyline have made it a beloved classic in the action thriller genre.