I just rewatched Sphinx after seeing it many years ago. I read the reviews and thought it was pretty straight forward,easy to follow. I'm a huge Frank Langella fan and just seeing him in the made it worth watching for me. However, as much as I enjoyed watching him romancing Leslie Ann Downs, I agree that there was not much chemistry between them. Most of the actors just ok - no shining stars, except Langella who can simply walk into the room and make the scene. His presence is always stunning and he seems in complete control of the scene.
As far as the story, it moves slowly and follows the usual Egypt films plots. Leslie does ok but seems stiff in many scene like she is not comfortable in her role. She's supposed to be really smart but does so many dumb and stupid things that it is maddening. I think the film doesn't work as well as it could because the energy level of the characters is inconsistent. For example, in The Mummy, there is a matched energy between the main actors and the people after them. Here there is a mish mash of actors thrown together, some good, some bad in the same scenes so the good ones can't really shine.
So, bottom line, watching Frank Langella is always a joy for me so I don't care what film he's in - I'll watch it. I probably would t have watching Sphinx all the way through without his presence.
So, bottom line, watching Frank Langella is always a joy for me so I don't care what film he's in - I'll watch it. I probably would t have watching Sphinx all the way through without his presence.