But I still eat 1lb bags of Skittles, and I almost like "The General's Daughter." Like candy, this film lures you in, with its grim action packed opening where John Travolta gets to strut his stuff, pretending he's not only military, but tough, too. And it is absorbing enough stuff at the outset. John Travolta's winning streak with the box office won't come crashing to a halt with this flick.

In fact, the movie is quite okay when you're in the business of watching it. It's just that it doesn't hold up in the light of day. The ending leaves you with one of those "huh?" feelings--sad disappointment that something better couldn't have come from all the hype.

I'm not sure where the ball gets dropped in this film, although I'd risk pointing my finger at the plot. It bothers me that women being raped and murdered is considered entertainment, even when couched within a mystery and accompanied by indignant clicking of tongues from self-righteous leading actors. It's still basic misogyny that leaves me feeling uncomfortable.

And the film is not only guilty of misogyny 101, it gets more complicated as well. John Travolta as the leading investigator of the murder of the general's daughter finds that he has to team up with Madeline Stowe. She's another warrant officer, but she's also John's ex-girlfriend, of course, after all, he's such a stud that he's probably had every girl inside and out of the army. But Madeline also gets beaten up in the film--although miraculously there are no bruises to mar her Hollywood perfect makeup and costume in the next scene. Pshwew. This girl is so immaculate she doesn't even sweat in the Georgia heat.

But there are more problems with "The General's Daughter," like poor segues from one rambunctious scene to the next. But probably the most pressing problem here, is the small matter of substance, which like a candy bar, is sadly lacking.