I admit I had high expectations before i saw this. I had expected nothing but the best from the writer of the usual suspects. This film was a pleasant suprise. A story involving criminals in which the criminals aren't complete idiots, egomaniacs, or invincible. These guys were smart and exercised confidence and caution in what they were doing. These small things made this film that much smarter. Before this I didn't really like Ryan Phillipe but he didn't do to bad in this, his accent (if thats what it was) left a little bit to be desired. But as always Benecio Del Toro was amazing. I love watching this man act, He knows what he's doing and does it in such a calm natural way, I have only noticed this quality in a few other actors. He is definately the most underrated actor in the film industry today. I had previous ly heard comments about this film referring to it as "confusing", and "wierd". I find that very dishartening to think that a film written intelligently with intelligent chatacters can be misconstrued in such a negative way. I also enjoyed Juliette Lewis, again one of my favorite actors. The fact that all the plot pieces were not revealed in the first act was nice, you as an audience came to understand more about what was going on and more about the characters and their motives. Having such wonderful character development can only come from having a wonderful script. Which seemed to be put togeather wonderfully here. I couldn't help but think of "Snatch", and "Lock ,Stock and two smoking barrels" when I saw this. all these different parties all after one goal, crossing paths. Althought this didn't contain the trademark Ritchie look, and style, this was a little more intelligent, but also not as clever as Ritchie. This is deffinately a must see for anyone who doesn't like to be insulted by movies.
Reviews
4 Reviews
A Fantastically! entertaining piece of film.
28 April 1999
I rented this movie expecting to see the usual straight-to-video crap, but was pleasantly surprised. The originality of this film was astounding, I have never seen or heard of a movie like this before (not saying there isn't but I have never heard of it). Done in a mock documentary style the film unfolds like a real life investigative journalism story. We learn more about the situation as the "film makers" learn more. More twists and intrigues occur as the movie progresses. I found myself leaning more and more forward in my chair not wanting to miss anything, suspecting everyone. Near the end I was concerned that the ending was going to be a let down but I rewound the tape feeling more than satisfied, I wouldn't of done it any different. Brilliant!
Pi
(1998)
One the most innovative and brilliant films I have ever seen.
24 April 1999
Darren Aaronofsky's beautiful exploration of the human mind and its breakdown is brilliant in all aspects. His acting is perfect, his sound and score bring the images all the more closer to you, the visual style is superb and brilliant, and the story is facinating and original. Wow! I was intrigued and mesmerised by this film, Aaronofsky drew me in with stark grainy black and white images and kept me guessing with brilliant metaphores and exiting direction. As i was watching this film i was hoping that the ending wasn't going to be disappointing, and it wasn't, i loved it, i was satisfied. This film daring to use such raw techniques left me in a state of awe. A truely flawless film. Don't just rent it, buy it!
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