Kevin Costner’s epic adventure The Postman was released in 1997 to a mixed reception.

Here, Michael Reed argues that still it has a lot going for it… you’ve got the option to summarise reviewers negative assessment in one word: overindulgence.

However, a more detailed evaluation makes sense of the situation.

Firstly, despite its notoriety,Waterworldwasnt actually a financial disaster.

Secondly, Costner was still on a career high at that point.

In addition, he was still mainly known as KevinDances With WolvesCostner, the Oscar-winning director.

Despite the relative disappointment ofWaterworld, a Costner-helmed action movie must have seemed like a good bet.

In a nutshell, the film is a somewhat different adventure featuring the same character, setting and premise.

Although a great read, the source novel has some problems of its own.

Originally, it comprised three short novels that were later collated into a longer book in three parts.

As the loner who gets caught up in events and eventually comes good, Costners character is fairly stock.

Whether you enjoy his characterisation probably depends on how you feel about Costner.

To some, he brings a likeable, intelligent, everyman quality to a heroic role.

The film version ofThe Postmanis, like most good adaptations, streamlined.

For one thing, there is a well-defined hero and a definite, singular villain.

This isnt Darth Vader were talking about.

That his cruelty eventually forces the hero to fight is also an idea lifted from the book.

Technically, the film is excellent, with sumptuous, cleverly composed cinematography and subtle use of CGI compositing.

The smaller character parts are mostly well played.

Costner cast his own daughter in some scenes that threaten to become a bit creepy.

The biggest hit of 1997 was about a ship that sank.

Conversely,The Postmanwould probably have done much better if released today.

Its near three-hour duration must have presented a challenge to distributors and audiences alike.

One wonders what influence Costner had on the construction of the final cut.

Weve seen it done before.

Did Costner, I wonder, insist that some of his hero sequences be left intact due to ego?

This isnt to say thatThe Postmanwould have been the better film if it were substantially shorter.

On the whole, it makes fairly good use of its length to deliver a grandiose story.

However, cuts of a few minutes here and there would have improved the film a great deal.

You give out hope like it was candy in your pocket.