Fail Safe
Seen it?2000 | 86 min | Drama, Thriller, TV Movie
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite a box office flop. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved Bridge of Spies or All the President's Men, start here.
- The mood
- Tense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 26 min.
- What might put you off
- Nothing much for most grown-ups.
Cold War tensions climb to a fever pitch when a U.S. bomber is accidentally ordered to drop a nuclear warhead on Moscow.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 2 Emmys.
- Reach & staying powerWeak
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 27K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
The Sum of All Fears
Weeknight WatchAlso stars James Cromwell, in another thriller, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Bridge of Spies
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed thriller.
All the President's Men Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
Seven Days in May Saturday SpecialAnother drama.
The Courier
Sunday Safe BetAnother thriller, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Stephen Frears
- Walter CronkiteSelf - Host
- Richard DreyfussPresident
- Noah WyleBuck
- Brian DennehyGen. Bogan
- Sam ElliottCongressman Raskob
- James CromwellGordon Knapp
- John DiehlCol. Cascio
- Hank AzariaProf. Groeteschele
- Norman LloydDefense Secretary Swenson
- Bill SmitrovichGen. Stark