“The Rock” (1996) is an action thriller directed by Michael Bay and starring Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, and Ed Harris. The movie begins with Brigadier General Francis Hummel (Ed Harris) seizing control of Alcatraz Island with a group of rogue U.S. Marines. They take 81 tourists hostage and threaten to launch rockets armed with deadly VX gas into San Francisco unless the government pays a ransom of $100 million. Hummel’s motives are driven by a sense of betrayal, as he wants to secure compensation for the families of soldiers who died in covert operations and were denied recognition and benefits.

The FBI enlists the help of Dr. Stanley Goodspeed (Nicolas Cage), a chemical weapons expert, to neutralize the threat. Realizing they need someone familiar with Alcatraz to aid in the mission, they turn to John Mason (Sean Connery), a former British SAS captain who is the only prisoner ever to have escaped from Alcatraz. Mason was secretly detained by the U.S. government for decades without trial after stealing sensitive information. Mason and Goodspeed lead a team of Navy SEALs in an attempt to infiltrate Alcatraz. The mission quickly goes awry when the SEAL team is ambushed, leaving Goodspeed and Mason as the last hopes to prevent the launch of the VX gas. As they navigate the treacherous island, Mason’s experience and Goodspeed’s expertise in chemical weapons become crucial. Throughout their ordeal, Goodspeed, who is inexperienced in combat, relies on Mason’s seasoned skills.

Mason’s motivations evolve as he forms a bond with Goodspeed, deciding to aid him not only for his own freedom but also to prevent the impending disaster. As they confront Hummel and his men, a series of intense battles ensue. Hummel’s internal conflict over his actions and the righteousness of his cause leads to a mutiny within his own ranks. The climax features a race against time as Goodspeed deactivates the rockets while facing off against the remaining rogue Marines. In the end, Goodspeed and Mason manage to stop the threat, save San Francisco, and resolve their personal arcs. Mason reveals the location of the microfilm containing secrets he stole, advising Goodspeed to use the information wisely. Mason then escapes, with Goodspeed covering for him, recognizing the justice in Mason’s plight.