Directed by: Adil Elarbi & Bilall Fallah Written by: Adil Elarbi, Bilall Fallah, Nabil Ben Yadir, Bram Renders, Kobe Van Steenberghe & Handrik Verthe Cinematography: Robrecht Heyvaert Editor: Adil Elarbi, Bilall Fallah, Kobe Van Steenberghe & Thijs Van Nuffel
Cast: Matteo Simoni, Junes Lazaar, Nora Gharib, Said Boumazoughe, Nabil Mallat, Paloma Aguilera valdebenito, Werner Kolf
Antwerp. The lives of four dealer friends, who want to become real-life swaggers, spin out of control when they steal a shipment of cocaine. They trigger a full-out war between them, an Amsterdam drug lord and the ruthless Colombian cartels.
Looked forward to watching this film by the directors of BAD BOYS FOR LIFE. Their last film before that film almost seems like an audition reel.
one can see why they were given directing reign of BAD BOYS FOR LIFE. As with this film. They prove they can handle Action and comedy that might be a little dark around the edges but not too bleak, but also a diverse cast.
Though when it comes to this film’s material, it often feels more cartoonish even though it tries to be really quite often. Like the characters, it feels too on over its head at times.
As every time the film seems to be sticking with a certain tone. The film withdraws and goes into another tone to throw off the audience and keep them guessing even when not needed.
This is close to being an almost Guy Ritchie movie except he keeps his tone light and has his characters a bit more defined, it similarly Whimsical and usually in the criminal world
The characters are likable but rather thin so that they are more defined by characteristics and their individual ambitions than actually coming off as characters. They more Just live up to their nicknames except for the main two characters of the crew.
Though the film is filled with its colorful characters, the most entertaining is actually the criminal lawyers played by the directors more for humor, but are unscrupulous when it comes to protecting their clients.
The film Touches on subjects but Rarely fully Explores them except to occasionally bring them up like racism, growing up as an immigrant. Making something of yourself, when education really isn’t a choice.
The film is a lot of things but never comes through with An actual decision that leads to it feeling all over the place. There is plenty of styles all over the place that is inventive in fact it feels like every scene and the shot is designed to keep moving and to always dazzle.
Though even for the hardcore material and subjects that they tackle. The film feels lightweight and almost playful. As it never goes in too deep. It also feels way overstuffed and too long. As the film feels the need to explain every detail and then show it. Whereas if the film was cut down by fifteen minutes it wouldn’t Feel so monotonous by the end.
Just like the main character by the end of the film, it Doesn’t Seem to exactly want to commit.
Directed By: Pierre Morel Written By: Sean Penn, Pete Travis & Don McPherson Based on the Novel By: Jean-Patrick Machette Cinematography By: Flavio Martinez Labiano Editor: Frederic Thoraval
Cast: Sean Penn, Javier Bardem, Idris Elba, Mark Rylance, Ray Winstone, Jasmine Trinca, Peter Franzen
A sniper on a mercenary assassination team kills the minister of mines of the Congo. Terrier’s successful kill shot forces him into hiding. Returning to the Congo years later, he becomes the target of a hit squad himself.
This seems like Sean Penn trying to be like Liam Neeson. Where after having a career doing more dramas here late in his career and in shape deciding to do an action movie. Only here more involved as he co-writes and produces this film.
At this point in his career, it seems like he has tried it all so why not an action hero? While also showing macho charisma while being the sensitive hero at the same time. While it is a change of pace. Sean Penn slides right in like he has been doing it forever. He does get to show off his body and the film includes some of his well-known Past times such as surfing that find their way into the film.
If you notice this review mainly revolves around him. As truly he is the only noteworthy thing about this movie.
The movie isn’t as compelling as his other thriller THE INTERPRETER though that worked as it had a More sure hand direct by it with Sydney Pollack and worked more as a thriller and at least felt more like an ensemble while he starred in it.
This film seems to be more of an action film but it actually more an espionage film involving spies. Which should make it more intriguing. Unfortunately, it doesn’t In fact, the film seems more devoted to showing off Krav Maga as a fighting style.
It’s easy to get lost in espionage films as to the actual plot once it is finally uncovered. Though it does offer a mystery to be uncovered.
This seems like a film made for an older crowd. As it takes it’s time and offers up mostly older seasoned characters and not the hot young things. So that you know the characters are veterans and skilled. Not naive and learning along the way.
It has all the basic ingredients. As the action scenes are more in the second half and are pretty basic. It seems to hit all the required points but still comes off as dry. Though it seems to be more self-important and spread some kind of message before it becomes more centered on the action.
The love story in the middle of the film seems a bit lame but adds a little skin to the film as well as stakes. Plus can’t blame the filmmakers as this is based on a novel.
The film has some respectable actors shows g up in the film. Even though Idris Elba doesn’t appear until the third act. The film also seems to age funnily by putting up a red herring for a villain amongst the bigger names of the cast.
It seems the recognizable names in these types of films. Are here for easy paychecks and either to be red herrings as the main villain not end up being the surprise third act main bad guy.
Although the film was produced by veteran action producer Joel Silver, Silver was removed from the editing room after one visit, and the final cut of the film was supervised by actor Sean Penn and director Pierre Morel. Which would explain why this seems like Sean Penn porn as he seems all over and able to do everything and anything in this starring role. As it seems if he is going to crossover he wanted to truly make it worth it for him.
When it comes to Javier Bardem’s character you can understand his motivations but it feels so sappy and ridiculously is for a man in his line of work and position. So that even if not the main the film tries to make him seem noble but he comes off more as pathetic.
Written & Directed By: Christian Gudegast Story By: Christian Gudegast & Paul Scheuring Cinematography By: Terry Stacey Editor: Nathan Godley, Joel Cox & David Cox
Cast: Gerard Butler, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Pablo Schrieber, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Meadow Williams, Brian Van Holt, Jordan Bridges, Dawn Olivieri, Maurice Compte, Evan Jones, Mo McRae
A gritty L. A crime saga that follows the intersecting and often personally connected lives of an elite unit of the LA County Sheriff’s Dept. and the state’s most successful bank robbery crew as the outlaws plan a seemingly impossible heist on the Federal Reserve Bank of downtown Los Angeles.
I will be the first to admit this film is better than you might think it will be.
While you watch it. It seems to be a film that is inspired by HEAT and wants the audience to see both sides of the fence when it comes to the criminals and the cops chasing them. Though when it comes to the cops we only really see Gerard Butler’s home life and problems. When it comes to the criminals we see glimpses but mainly see 50 cent’s family and Pablo Schrieber’s planning.
At least when it comes to 50 cent’s daily the film adds some humor in the form of a warning to his daughters’ prom date. Which also helps humanize the character and the crew.
The film was in development for roughly fourteen years, where director Christian Gudegast and a writing partner had a blind deal with New Line Cinema in 2003. The project was also later supposed to be distributed by the now-defunct Relativity Media at one point as well. His original cut was 160 minutes long and had a different ending. Which would have added even more brooding to the film I am guessing.
The film is filled with testosterone galore with plenty of muscles up men with tank tops of their shirts off and sweaty. Using the guide or reasoning of working out of a home gym where they plan their caper.
It also seems to want to keep a kind of aggressive Mano e Mano tone. Where all the characters tend to be over the top tough and dangerous and females stay mostly in the background.
Though one is used as a kind of power play against one another. This only adds to the leaders of each side mutual respect but also a kind of sabotage they try against one another. As they know a showdown between them is coming and literally are sizing each other up.
Prior to filming, two separate boot camps were run in order to get the cops and the robbers in shape for their respective roles with both groups training separately to enforce a rival atmosphere. Interestingly, each group was trained differently by military consultant Paul Maurice.
O’Shea Jackson Jr.’s character is our introduction to this film and world as he is trying to be part of this crew as a getaway driver. He is the only new guy on the crew and goes through the ropes of intimidation. While also being forced by the cops to be an informant. He also seems to be our protagonist, but soon he and his storyline seem lost in the shuffle as the film begins to become a passing contest of one-up-manship between Pablo and Gerard.
While we wait for the heist that is promised to ensue. Most of the film is about the build-up of the different diversions and challenges thrown in front of each other and having to defeat or subvert in able to move forward and just as aggressive as the heist is these moves they make before are just as strong and motivated.
The film does offer beautiful visuals and quite stirring action sequences. As the heist fits all the required tension you want and expect. So that by the end it feels like a good modern-day heist caper film. Where we only learn of the logistics of the plan when it happens.
The film is building as it goes while we wait for the eventual showdown and release.
The film leaves you to wonder if the character of Gerard Butler was driven due to his failing marriage. So he seems more amped up and ready to go over the line. As it seems to be what he is good at and more capable of controlling even though supposedly more dangerous and unpredictable than a relationship. As at first he and his crew seem either dirty or more adept at bending the rules then they actually are eventually seen as pretty by the book.
By the end of the film, you have sympathy for the robbers as we meet their families and situations. Only to find out both sides were played against the other. By the end, it seems to try too hard to set itself apart by all of a sudden Introducing a twist. That while it works wasn’t really necessary.
It achieves what it set’s out to prove. It also doesn’t overthink itself or tries to show off for the audience more than what it has. Nor does it gloat or focus on any twists it offers up.
Big city girl Caroline is new to a small town, she disregards her high school classmates, and then just for kicks starts a sexual relationship with her teacher, Mr. A. Meanwhile, there’s a serial killer roaming the town, an industrial fire burning on the outskirts, and Thurston is mourning the loss of his best friend. As Thurston falls in love with Caroline, realities quickly catch up to all characters, and they are all going to have to mature or face the consequences.
While this film didn’t love up to the tone that the trailer sets. I still found much to admire in the film.
The film’s mood is a mixed reality for the most part as some scenes feel like we are in a dreamland. The occasional surreal visuals help set that up throughout the film.
At times the film feels a little over the top filled with a ridiculous serial killer side story. That seems to only be there so there can be some kind of structured plot. Instead of having the story be Random. It also sets up to give teenage angst in this film a feeling of true nihilism because literally today could be their last.
It also leaves it to the audience to examine the characters more closely. Maybe their quirks are hiding some real serious mental problem, leaving their behavior as an obvious red flag.
The title comes from the music group Sonic Youth’s classic album. There are numerous nods to the group throughout the film. One Is that One of the leads played by Reece Thompson is names after the music group’s leader Thurston Moore. Like a Sonic Youth album, there are moments of great beauty. While the characters try to have a hardcore edge. They are broke. Like many of the chords the group plays. The only thing missing is the group’s music. It would have been cool if they scored the film, though the soundtrack isn’t bad. Especially its use of the band STARS music throughout the film. They are a Canadian band and this film was obviously made in Canada. Though at least they use the song KOOL THING by Sonic Youth
One of the film’s strengths is the lead Kat Dennings who totally owns this film. She has an off-kilter sexiness. Like Rose McGowan, but with a sharper wit to go along with her looks. She has a classic look as well as being voluptuous. How she wasn’t cast in the lead for the film EASY A. I’ll never know as it seemed to be a role tailor-made for her. Though Emma stone did a good job.
Here her character has a hard shell, but a vulnerable side she only seems to show the audience a she is the narrator.
I like Josh Lucas as an actor, but here he seems wasted playing more of a wounded caricature. Then rather a character. He deserves better as he seems a major actor stick in a supporting role. His character seems to just make no sense, even after learning his back story.
I enjoyed the film’s chapter stops to fully explain situations with a little more insight.
The film at times can be a bit pretentious and hazy as to who is it all for, but it kept up my interest and left me impressed. The film certainly isn’t for everyone. It feels like a PG-13 version of TWIN PEAKS mixed with a sardonic teen movie. Made by David Lynch only not in control of his skills.
Directed By: Dennis Villeneuve Written By: Taylor Sheridan Cinematography By: Roger Deakins Editor: Joe Walker
Cast: Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro, Jeffrey Donovan, Victor Garber, Jon Bernthal, Daniel Kaluuya, Maximilano Herandez, Raoul Trujillo
An idealistic FBI agent is enlisted by an elected government task force to aid in the escalating war against drugs at the border area between the U.S. and Mexico.
This film is where director Dennis Villeneuve style really comes alive. Now while PRISONERS is a well directed film. I always had problems with it. Here Villeneuve’s style is crucial to the story.
It can only be explained as he has a knack for making scenes feel alive with tension. Even simple ones. He manages to catch you off guard so many times. That at any moment in his films anything can happen. Especially in the world the characters inhabit. Violence can break out at any time. Tension which he excels makes everything feel urgent and powerfully delivered. Makes it feel like anything can happen
The film while having violent scenes manages the trick of not really showing any violence but making it feel like there is more in the film then there actually is. The few scenes of violence are either so shocking or graphic. That in other scenes that even suggest it. Your imagination is already at work going overboard.
That is certainly a skill in story telling.
Here Emily blunt is our protagonist so we learn things just as she does and through the first half of the film. We realize we are on a mission, but just like her the rules and true objective are confusing and the rules keep changing. So that we are constantly confused even when the audience thinks it knows where the film is going.
She makes a good lead as her character proves both tougher and more fragile then she is presented. Seeing her in EDGE OF TOMMOROW convinced most audiences of her ability to be tough. Which she uses here, but here she also reminds us of how deep and emotional she can be whole Doing or at least showing so little.
Initially, the director was asked to rewrite Emily Blunt’s part for a man. But, Denis Villeneuve wanted Emily Blunt for the role after he saw her in The Young Victoria.
The film could easily be compared to films like TRAFFIC. For how it mainly shows the government side of taking down drug cartels, but the film also manages to tell small Individual stories of different characters and their position in this trade. What it also manages to do is remind the audience yes we are in this films singular world, but there is a greater real bigger world out there. That is our reality that these characters live in also.
Some night even compare the film to ZERO DARK THIRTY. If they did the only reason I can see is that they both have a female protagonist who learns to become more cautious and tougher as the film goes along. As well as learning more information about her supposed target through various different governmental agencies. As well as working with special teams to extract certain people to get to main targets. Though that film is more fact based. This one deals with a real subject, but manages to create it’s own story. This film is truly it’s own Animal
No matter what is shown and not shown this film is brutal. It is a cutthroat world they operate in.
There are some nitpicking like why at first do they forbid her partner access to go with them. Then throughout they seem to not mind if he is there.
Josh Brolin is good as the charismatic leader of this force. Who seems to operate in bureaucracy and in shadows, but the films MVP is Benicio Del Toro as a badass man of mystery. Though his character is mostly quiet. There is an intensity and toughness about him. That makes him look world weary, but constantly sharp. He takes no prisoners and seems to have no moral guide. I missed this type of performance from del toro. He played this type in SAVAGES, but that character was more of a loud mouth and sadistic for fun. Here he does it because he has to and can. If it helps achieve whatever mission he is on.
Throughout the film. The story plays out slowly only revealing itself when it has to. Even when we are privy of scenes and information that blunt isn’t. There isn’t too much revealed. So we are still just as unsure as she is. History is more reveled slowly about the characters rather then present it as soon as we meet them.
The shots throughout are beautifully composed and framed. That makes the territories they govern and go through come Alive. Even in their plainness. They feel constantly full of mystery even though they are mostly plain.
Though the film is structured well and directed well. It doesn’t feel overly stylized.
This film is a doozy, it is wild, yet calm. Epic and far reaching yet small.
The acting that plays out constantly or at least the threat of it Is not the kind you expect in a film Like this. No big action set pieces that rely on the audience finding a thrill. Like it is a roller coaster. Often the violence is either surprising, quick or just plain unorganized in the manner that it happens. This isn’t a thrill seeking movie. It is a thrill feeling movie.
Though it more relies on a moral meter. Rather than having a clear political message or even discussing the politics of the situation. It is matter of fact, yet offers a deep reserve for the audience to ponder. As it Also doesn’t offer any answers. Leaving it more of an open ended film. It’s not even really too much of a political film More like an extreme procedural.
Now while this film could have been made with any director. I believe the reason the film excels is because of director Dennis Villeneuve his style totally fits in with the story and reminds one of the promise he showed with the film INCENDIES. As with his other films though acclaimed. The style for me never quite fit the stories. Or the stories never quite fit his style. They took too many wrong turns or all there seemed to be was that style and little to no substance at least nothing deep. As the direction seemed to suggest.
Directed By: Ant Timpson Written By: Toby Harvard Cinematography: Daniel Katz Editor: Dan Kircher
Cast: Elijah Wood, Stephen McHattie, Madeline Sami, Martin Donovan, Michael Smiley, Garfield Wilson
A man in his thirties travels to a remote cabin to reconnect with his estranged father.
This is a movie that will take you by surprise and keeps you guessing. Don’t expect a big change in your thinking type of film but more than a secretive kid in the corner who shocks you with his talents but still seems creepy. As each time you believe you have it figured out it adds something. A film best to go in blind.
As one of the main desires of the film is to keep you off-center. So that you end up just as confused as the main character. The twists come not only from the plot but from the characters. Though the film does have a dark sense of humor.
This is a movie that gradually adds things as it goes along and still Manages to stay small-scale. Even though at times the film seems to be going towards the supernatural or at least spooky. It still manages to stay somewhat believable though it has its quirks.
It also feels a little hipster-Ish when it comes to the main character and its Style. Even if it had a more pure demented heart.
This film feels full of ideas and imagination that feels lost. As it more feels like an oddity that more belongs in a previous decade but is oddly welcome in this time period and quickly sets itself up in modern-day. Yet managing not to depend on so many modern-day conveniences.
Though ultimately it does leave you a little disappointed because as it keeps building towards bigger things and you expect something huge but after a while, it seems to calm itself and stop. Then You realize this is it and you kind of were hoping it would keep going.
It also feels like at times they are making it up as they go along and try to work more on characters than story.
Have to wonder sometimes if Elijah Wood internationally goes after movies that leave him tortured and somehow mutilated after this and the film PAWN SHOP CHRONICLES.
Directed By: Joseph Ruben Written By: Ian McEwan Cinematography: John Lindley Editor: George Bowers
Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Elijah Wood, Wendy Crewson, David Morse, Daniel Hugh Kelly, Jacqueline Brookes, Quinn Culkin, Ashley Crow
A young boy stays with his aunt and uncle and be friends with his cousin, a boy of the same age who shows increasing signs of violent and psychopathic behavior.
I remember being excited about this film when it came out. As it held the promise of Macaulay Culkin to be playing against type as an evil child. Though for some this might have been more of the same who might have seen his character in home alone as a sadistic bully himself.
I even went to see this movie in theaters twice. Sure it’s a modern update on the and seed only with boys and more of a budget and an openness that the movie didn’t offer at the time.
He does excellent In This film. As he pretty much sets his cousin played by Elijah wood up to be his patsy. Getting him to trust him and bringing him into his little schemes and then when his cousin decides to be honest and do the good thing. Culkin’s Character beats him to it only making wood look guilty as he has more evidence to put him away.
At first, we believed that Culkin’s character might just be going through growing pain until we found out even before he got there he was up to no good. It seems that Eve. As he might try to do so later. What he craves is attention and anytime someone is a rival for his mother’s affection then Off they go
At first, the film is played more off of thriller as including a great action sequence of a car crash on a highway and an ice skating incident gone wrong, but once it really settles in and watches, you can really see more the psychological aspects of the film being panted out
Director Joseph Rueben offers crisp and sharp direction. That matches the chilly atmosphere the town is set in. This actually is one of his better films. Definitely one of his most popular. So you can say the films offer thrills and chills
Something interesting that Macaulay Culkin was a child star and was killed in two movies that he starred in. Think of that anytime you swear times have changed or movies are darker and more mean-spirited than the ones in the past as far as treatment of children.
Though His performance does put him in a different lane and offers him a chance to show range, but also gives plenty of opportunity to those more annoyed by him to see Him get a comeuppance. It was just nice to see him in something different, not cookie cutter and cute
What works for the film is that despite its high concept simpleness and stunt casting. It’s actually deeper than what you expect. As it does kind of harm back to that Spielberg era. Where kids could star in Movies and kind of create their own world and social relationships. Where adults were around but they weren’t the main focus they were more supportive.
This was the first movie I even remember seeing Elijah wood in and he is impressive in one of his first films as a full-fledged lead.
As even though this film is rated R. It also seems more made for children to enjoy or at least relate to more.
Not everything is as it seems for Cristi, a policeman who plays both sides of the law. Embarking with the beautiful Gilda on a high-stakes heist, both will have to navigate the twists and turns of corruption, treachery, and deception.
A calm and composed film noir that is a slow burn throughout. That involves quite a bit of players even though it starts out more intimate. It grows with each new detail.
It’s a neo-noir that is not as comedic as presented within the trailers. While it has dark humor it is more a thriller.
The film plays out non-linear at first but is presented and put together with different timelines as we flash forward, back, and then sometimes current time. Told lien this for the audience to get more intrigued and keep the story moving forward in a way that adheres to what the audience is familiar with.
The film comes alive in the third act with twists and turns that allow for some surprises, but still never quite speeds along or leaves details by the wayside.
The film does offer a femme fatale abs one hell of a seduction scene. Even though other than that scene. It never quite explains why the two characters bond enough to overly look out for one another, especially her considering her position.
The film offers more of a character study of sorts. Even though with so many characters it offers quirk in the language being studied abs used for this caper. Though seems more there to explore the situation and relationships more than being integral to the plot overall.
Though at first the film might be light shearers but have a tough attitude. It soon shows itself to be violent and dangerous also. Where no one Is truly safe or can be completely trusted.
As everyone has their own agenda here including the so-called good guys. While the film offers style it also seems at times to be overly artistic for such a simple premise.
Though we never quite get any answers for why the lead is so tightly wound or got so involved in the first place. As for its many introductions, the film seems only interested in the lead mostly. Who only really changes more out of circumstances. Not organically or emotionally compelled to.
The film is a great jaw-dropping modern interpretation of femme fatale in the form of actress Catrinel Martin still some questions or connection and plans of characters.
She has a great and strong entrance. Where she is illustrious and iconic, but through the rest of the film, he becomes more of a background character losing the Great strength she was shown as having only to become revitalized by the end.
Definitely an inspired film. Not the action Oriented kind. Yet it keeps you invested.
Directed By: Steven Soderbergh Written By: Scott Z. Burns Cinematography: Steven Soderbergh (As Peter Andrews) Editor: Steven Soderbergh (As Mary Ann Bernard)
A young woman’s world unravels when a drug prescribed by her psychiatrist has unexpected side effects.
Following up his pandemic movie CONTAGION that was a bigger offering with a smaller tale might seem like a step-down but it’s a movie that packs a wallop even though you don’t expect it. Unfortunately by the end, you don’t feel anything. It’s certainly entertaining but it comes off more as a smart artistic popcorn movie. It does its job but at this point movie, fans might be expecting more or stronger From director Soderbergh from his journeyman auteur reputation. This might be what the film suffers from the most
It’s a movie where things happen but you never quite feel anything it is quite clinical to watch and experience. Even as the twists happen you should care somewhat
It’s a claustrophobic tale of what happens in all Those high-rise apartments of the haves. As most of the characters come from money and are privileged. Though Channing Tatum heavily billed again he is in the movie very little.
It feels like it should be bigger even though it focuses more on a singular story
Each character is smart except for the early victim. So that is refreshing as the film comes more alive when Jude law’s character is more or less fighting for professional and personal survival and all the twists are coming to light, Just as the third act is his plan taking place
It’s a tale you would expect to be told bigger and more extravagant but with Soderbergh’s style, it focuses more singularly on the plot dynamics allowing room for the character but more or less being to the point and less indulgent. While the film. Still has style and is more technical
It’s a bigger film from him but still a smaller story though this film feels less experimental than some of his others. This one doesn’t call attention to itself as much and has a stronger script and story than usual.
It allows the mystery of Rooney Mara’s character vacant looks and silence to shape her character and situations. As again when a character uses it to her advantage what people believe about her by her silence and looks. What identity and beliefs they put onto her that might be totally opposite from who she is. They put a character onto her when she is an actual person. She ends up Being the ultimate muse in an unartistic story. One that is mroe made up of successful characters in the medical profession. An unexpected feels Fatale if sorts
Showing how easy it is for even the most rational of us to fall into a belief of certain fantasies that take the form of supposed responsible thought. Though managed to do it without making it a tale of the weakness of falling into temptation and paying the price for it.
The film seems more like it will be a psychological drama. When actually it will be more of a character-based thriller. This works for this film as it is unexpected and you don’t see it coming. Just as the film involves sex it isn’t very erotic or sexy.
This is one of the more commercial and straightforward films of Steven Soderbergh. As this one whole cerebral and technical doesn’t feel like an experiment it seems like a smaller project for him that is almost like a short story for him instead of a novel. Which is how full his films can sometimes be. Either with a story or the number of stars usually, cast.
This is the most likable performance I have found so far of Jude Law’s career. Where he gets to be innocent yet shrewd and the only way out for him is through his Intelligence. Not his looks, wit, or tortured soul. What also helps is that here the performance is mroe natural and effortless. No baggage. As here he plays more of a person, not a character or type. No different look or wardrobe to hide behind. Here he and his performance are stripped down.
You go into this movie looking for a twist or expecting a thriller and that is what you get but the film plays the more technical side than the emotional. Though it is shockingly mean-spirited and more psychologically ruthless than expected.
It also shows the passing of time as in the past Catherine Zeta-Jones would be the seducer and audiences would have loved to see her in a same-sex relationship and love scenes. Here as she plays just another victim. It might remind some audience members of the passage of time. Times have certainly changed.
In the end, this is a film that seems simple but then grabs you and takes you through a maze. That is stronger than it appears to be. A throwback to films aimed at adults that wants you to think and figure them out.
Directed By: Barbet Schroeder Written By: Richard Price Based on the Original Screenplay “KISS OF DEATH” By: Ben Hecht & Charles Lederer Based on a story By Eleazar Lipsky Cinematography: Luciano Tovolli Editor: Lee Percy
Cast: David Caruso, Nicolas Cage, Samuel L. Jackson, Ving Rhames, Stanley Tucci, Helen Hunt, Michael Rapaport, Kathryn Erbe, Jay O. Sanders, Hope Davis, Anthony Heald, Philip Baker Hall, Paul Calderon, Anne Meara, John Costelloe
A reformed convict goes undercover with the help of an angry detective to ensnare a psychotic mobster.
When I saw the trailer I knew I had to see this film as soon as possible. I had seen it on the show COMING ATTRACTIONS on the E! Channel when it used to be more devoted to film and film lovers. Not so much gossip. This trailer had me hypnotized so much I taped it and would watch it over and over again. Keep in mind this was before the internet.
One of my favorite trailers at the time. The cast was seductive so I ended up watching it on opening weekend.
I know this is a remake but i haven’t seen the original. Which unknown was noteworthy for Richard Widmark’s giggling hitman. There are no signs of that here. Even though Nicolas Cage steals the show as the villain here. Though that might be due to the script trying to make him come off as memorable as Richard Widmark.
This film is supposed to be a thriller though most of the time plays like a dark comedy. One that is central To New York’s character types. Even as it has More thriller elements and framework.
Everybody seems to speak way too loudly throughout and every sentence or word seems to end and be with an exclamation point.
This is a modern remake for the 1990’s with what would end up being an all-star cast in the middle of their careers and some just been naming their hot streaks.
The film seems to borrow part of the cast of PULP FICTION. As the dialogue also tries to be loose and have criminals have odd yet funny conversations emblematic of that film. It even has a few actors from that movie in it’s cast but it has an overall style of cool. A violent cool with bits of dark comedy thrown in. Where it again always feels like the characters are playing types more than real human beings for the most part.
This movie was supposed to help make a movie star out of David Caruso after being a lifelong character actor and being on a hit Television show. Which pulled him to fame and leaving that show after two seasons to be a movie star. Here is a role he was used to just not being at the center of attention.
Nicolas Cage here is off-kilter as always. Muscle bound and hilarious. As he plays an over the top mobster’s son who Caruso is trying to take down or more like the cops are forcing him to. He is murderous yet childlike at instances
In the end the most despicable character and true villain of the film is Michael Rappaport who causes all this trouble and is taken down early and quickly.
While the film tries to feel realistic. You are always aware that it is a production. As it even feels thoroughly always like cinema. Never like any kind of reality or relatable.
For all the violence and tough talk by the end it seems a little too cut and dry. Where it ends up feeling lightweight by the end. No matter how far it has taken us.
Cut To The Chase 