Reviews (191)

Docked two stars for shoddy DVD treatment
First of all, let me go on the record as saying that Glengarry Glen Ross is one of my all-time favorite films. The acting is nothing short of astounding. Each actor (particularly Jack Lemmon) is at the top of their form. This is an actor's movie. There's no special effects, chase scenes, superfluous love story subplot, or pat ending. It should be obvious to anyone watching this film that it is based on a play -- specifically, David Mamet's Pulitzer-prize winning play of the same name. Mamet also wrote the screenplay, which is full of the fiery brilliance he always brings to the table. This is not a film for the timid. The language is raw and crude. The film takes no prisoners and I love it.

The film takes place in a real estate office, where cutthroat salesman do "cold calling," basically selling land by telemarketing. It's a brutal business (we've all been on the other end of that phone call and usually end up hanging up on the salesman), and the people these guys work for are brutal as well.

Case in point: during an early, crucial scene, Blake (played brilliantly by Alec Baldwin) tells the gathered crew that the top prize for highest sales is a Cadillac. The second prize is a set of steak knives and the third prize -- "you're fired." The speech is a sadistic, humiliating version of a pep talk, all macho brags and venomous insults. He dangles the new contacts, or "leads," in the faces of the salesmen. "They're for closers," he tells them. These guys would kill for the good leads, and Blake knows it. The scene was written especially fo the film and Baldwin eats it up. It's easily the best thing I've seen him do.

Jack Lemmon plays Sheldon Levene, the office's oldest employee. He used to be the best one around (they call him "The Machine"), but he's been on a bad streak lately and desperately needs his luck to change. His daughter's in the hospital and is unable to pay her medical bills. Al Pacino plays Ricky Roma, the current hotshot. His way of befriending a potential client in a bar and gaining his trust is odd, but effective (his opening monologue is totally insane, but thoroughly entertaining). Kevin Spacey is the office manager who will not bend the rules for anyone, much to the rage of the office. Ed Harris and Alan Arkin round out the rest of the salesmen. Harris plays Dave Moss, who has the world's biggest chip on his shoulder. Arkin is George Aaronow, who desperately needs to land a good sale. Most of his role consists of reacting to Harris and Pacino, but he's very good.

The day after Baldwin's talk, the salesman come to work to find the office robbed. The new leads are missing. Probably an inside job. It could have been anyone. Everyone is questioned by the police and everyone is insulted that they are considered suspects. Ricky is mad because the robbery may have screwed up his latest sale, putting his ownership of the Cadillac in jeopardy. Also, last night's client comes looking for him -- he has second thoughts. The way Ricky tries desperately to blow off his client while still playing the salesman is creepy and brilliant. Lemmon is amazing as Levene -- I've never seen desperation played so well.

Having said all that, I, along with the rest of the GGR fans, have been waiting years for this film to arrive on DVD. Especially since it's been promised as a "two-disc special edition." What a disappointing package it turned out to be.

Well, let's be fair. First of all, the film. It looks great. It sounds great. They did a great job with the film itself. But don't promise a loaded special edition and then give us something as lame as this. The only commentary track on the widescreen version is director James Foley. He only speaks during three scenes. The other commentary tracks are only available on the full-frame version (on disc two) and are not scene-specific.

The extras include "Magic Time," a tribute to the late Jack Lemmon, which is well-meaning but could have been a lot better. It does, however, end with a clip from Lemmon's appearance on "Inside the Actor's Studio," which is sweet. There is also "Always be Closing," another slapdash mini-documentary that features directors, playwrights, actors (including GGR's Alan Arkin and Alec Baldwin) discussing the role of the salesman in plays and films, as well as actual salespeople themselves. Sound interesting? It's not. It lacks any kind of cohesive thread. It appears to have been produced by a first-year film student. There's no structure to it. It looks unfinished.

There's also a clip from Kevin Spacey's appearance on "Inside the Actor's Studio" where an audience member acts out a scene from GGR with Spacey. I'll admit, I enjoyed that bit.

Why in the world didn't Criterion release this? They would have done a much better job and besides, they released the laserdisc version (with commentary tracks from Jack Lemmon, among others, I'm told). What we end up with here is an amazing film with an amazing transfer...and a bunch of lame extras thrown in.

If you're a fan of this film, by all means, buy the DVD...but don't expect much in the area of extras.

Best Sales Movie Ever
Exaggeration & Repetition: Performance keys to live by

There are two keys to being a good performer, whether you are writing or telling a story, whether you are selling something or selling yourself: Always exaggerate things by one thousand percent, and use repetition at least 500 percent.

Those who understate a story or product that may not be very strong in the first place, will fall victims to making that story or product look weak. The way to avoid making yourself or whoever/whatever you are representing look weak is to follow the aforementioned keys. The way to do that when the product or story is weak is to learn how to "B.S." That is where being a good performer comes in...

You are an actor, and being outgoing and to the extreme will always give the impression that whatever you are talking about is "the best." A good actor can do this perfectly and not come off as overly co.cky or obnoxious. Always say what the other person wants to hear. The customer is always right. Do whatever you can to "nail the gig."

There is something else to keep in mind when doing this particular form of "B.S.-ing," and that is the "K.I.S.S." method of "keep-it-simple-stupid." That may sound like a contradiction to the keys, but it is not. Keeping it simple, is not disclosing the real specifics, but still making your case sound like it's above and beyond every other possible option. This comes in handy particularly when someone asks you a question that you may not know the full answer to. That is where "filling" comes in---something that students do when writing an English essay on a test. If you have a general idea of what you want to say but don't have a specific reply to a portion of the question, you "fill" that essay with long winded run-on sentences. However, the whole thing must be coherent, and if your essay is well-written and has a good amount of clever puns and humor, you cannot lose. If you are a slick actor or writer, you can fool even the best of English teachers into at least giving you an "E" for effort.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you will never lose if you can "meet in the middle." What that means is this: Suppose a shirt looks like it is worth $15 to a customer but you build it up so much and make it sound like it's worth $50... By the end of the conversation, if you are doing your job, you are going to get them to meet you in the middle and the final conclusion will be that the price of the shirt is around $25. The real worth may be no more than $15 (and maybe even less), and certainly nowhere near $50, but you still get the "E" for effort and earn $25. You aren't really getting into details on why the shirt is worth so much more than the customer thinks, but you are pounding it into their head that it's worth $50. You are exaggerating and repeating. You are using adjectives that may or may not apply to that shirt but you are making it sound great and far above what it's worth. So finally, they will concede a price of $25. You were stretching the truth about the shirt being worth $50 and they may have been undervaluing it at $15. Essentially, you are both lying and both playing a game with one another, but finally, a minimum of $25 is agreed upon. No one may ever find out the true value, but it's irrelevant anyway. This works in any situation.

Exaggeration and repetition. But remember to K.I.S.S.

These keys could have been discussed in one paragraph, but it took an entire page, yet you as the reader were compelled to hang onto each word from start to finish. So I succeeded as a writer in that this essay was read from start to finish and my point was proven.

The "Whale"

A whale is a customer that you pull in, hook, line and sinker and mount on the wall. He is a golden nugget, a superstar, a monster. This type of customer that you get lucky enough to snag will be your customer for life. That means, you will either be set up for life from one deal you strike up or you will have him as a repeat customer that you can call back as a strong possible prospect forever.

Sometimes it is tough to spot a whale, he may not always be overly outgoing or obvious about being a "buyer." So anyone can be a whale. The way to learn if someone is a whale or not is to simply get into their home and learn about their life and about them. So anything you can do to get your foot in the door will work.

Start off small and discuss something that may appeal to their interest and work your way into their world. Don't pre-judge them until you learn about them. This will take time and patience, but all you need is a small "in" and then you can build on that and if you win the whale's trust, all it takes is one big deal to set you up for life.

So practice the "A.B.C." method of "always be closing" with everyone, because anyone can be a prospect. While the impression may be given that you genuinely care about them, the main objective is getting them to sign on the dotted line.

Of course the obvious "Gordon Gecko" type whales who go around showboating their spending habits and their skills are the true whales that if you are lucky enough to somehow snag, you are set.

A play trapped inside a movie.
'Glengarry Glen Ross' has good dialogue and good acting by the fine actors, but this is actually a play trapped inside a movie. They should not have made it into a movie.

Put that coffee down!
If you're looking for car crashes, gun fights and naked people you won't find them here. But if great dialogue and raw emotion hold your interest, it doesn't get any better than this. Every one of these guys should have won an award for their roles in this movie. Not sure if this particular DVD contains the interview with Jack Lemmon that was included after one of the cable TV broadcasts of the film. If not, it should!

Always Be Closing!
Most people think of explosions, car chases and action/adventure films as guy movies. Well, maybe, but those are for boys. There's no car chase in this movie, no deaths and no guns. But it manages to hold your attention while telling its story of real estate salesmen. This is the quintessential guy movie. This screen adaptation of David Mamet's Pulitzer-winning play is incredibly stagebound, which was a stroke of genius: thus, the fast-paced dialogue and the desperate, macho facades of the characters become, and stay, the focus. This allows the amazing talents of the cast to flourish. Pacino and Lemmon are untouchable. Ed Harris is outstanding. Having just the four main characters makes the whole thing seem oddly forced at times. Baldwin's slick delivery of his ball-busting speech to the three underachieving salesmen, is a scene to remember. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Two years before he let it all hang out in Boogie Nights, former rapper and Calvin Klein underwear model Mark Wahlberg played the psychotic boyfriend in this derivative but surprisingly effective thriller, aptly described by producer Brian Grazer as "Fatal Attraction for teens." Reese Witherspoon plays Nicole Walker, the unwitting teenager who gets the hots for David McCall (Wahlberg). David only seems like a nice guy until he gets upset by the girl's overly protective father. That's when hell breaks loose and the love-struck Romeo turns into a deadly threat who just won't go away. You'd think this kind of material would be beneath the talents of a fine director like James Foley (whose credits include At Close Range and Glengarry Glen Ross), but Foley gives the film just the right blend of style and tension to match Wahlberg's breakthrough role as an all-too-believable teenage maniac. You might feel silly afterwards, but don't be surprised if you find yourself getting caught up in the expertly manipulative suspense. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (90)

Fear Rocks!!
This movie is the most terrifying movie that I have ever seen.(And I am a horror-movie buff) This movie is so creepy, so electrifying that it is scary(please excuse that punn) This movie has a hot young cast of some extremely talented actors, including the beautiful Alyssa Milano and Reese Witherspoon, and a young fellow of the name Mark Wahlberg. I can pretty much tell what is going to happen with movies. I couldn't tell a thing in this movie. This is not just your run of the mill teen hororr/suspence/thiller/Mystery type of movie. This movie is a great movie to enjoy and a great life-lesson (or moral, if you will) wihout actually living it. I won't tell what the lesson is, but Reese Witherspoon is generally in movies that teach something at the end, so be sure to look for it at the end and during this film. This movie is so great in every way possible. By far the best[for me] hororr film of them all! Great movie!!! Very similar to "Fatal Attraction" But, geared towards a teen auidence. Both films are great, but also both have cerin material that DIDN'T have to be in there. VERY realsitic, in the sense that there are teens who choose to...ummm...well spend "quality" time with each other, and do live to regret that "quality" time spent. Alot of the time, that person that you spent the time with, ISN'T the person you thought they were. Very creepy. "Fatal Attraction" and "Fear" are similar, and different at the same time. "Fear" is pratically a re-make of "Fatal Attraction" which it sortta is...

FEAR ITSELF
Maybe it's derivative, but FEAR packs a punch due to the expert direction of James Foley and the dead-on performances of Mark Wahlberg, Reese Witherspoon and William Petersen. Nice girl Reese (beautiful and a marvelously talented actress) goes along with pal Alyssa Milano to a club where she catches the eye of hunky David McCall (Wahlberg, in a chilling and good performance). Of course, once she finds herself falling for him, she sees a violent and darker side as he attacks her best friend and pushes her in the face. David, being the charming psychopath he is, manages to patch things up, and then things really start firing up. Petersen's father is a devoted, family man, who truly loves his daughter. When he realizes Wahlberg is not the Prince Charming he appears to be, he warns him to stay away from his daughter. But Wahlberg won't take no for an answer, so he rallies up his drug-dealing friends and attacks the home of Reese and her family. A tense, nerve wracking ending with powerful performances.
A guilty, but enjoyable, pleasure, showing that Wahlberg has more than a buff body to credit his success.

Amazing
This is a classic. Reese Witherspoon is so cute, and as if we didn't all know so is Mark Walberg. Put them together and you've got a hit. This is my favorite movie ever and I am a video freak. I couldn't even imagine what was going to happen next. It was scary yet romantic. I love it, however I wouldn't recommened this movie for anyone under the age of 16

Does anyone knows????
Hi there! I loved the movie, it's really great. Now I'm looking for the soundtrack... does anyone knows where can I get it???? PLEASE!!! if you can tell me I'll be so grateful!!! My email is: gpalomo@telecontacto.com.mx
THX
G.

It could really happen
When 16 year old Nicole meets David McCall for the first time, he is a sensitive and caring man. Over time they build a deep relationship. All the problems start after their first intimate encounter. David goes wacko with jealousy, beating up one of Nicole's best friends, who happens to be a guy. Nicole is torn between wanting to stay with him and never wanting to see him again. After a riff with her father, Nicole runs off temporarily with David. Later that night she catches him with her best friend. She dumps David and turns her back on her best friend Margo (Alyssa Milano), not letting her explain what really happened. David ends up stalking Nicole and essentially holding her family hostage.

Creepy in a way because it's a situation that can, and I'm sure has, happened. ... Read more

Reviews (44)

An Excellent DVD !!
This is a must buy for all Madonna fans. The DVD is in standard format and contains 13 tracks. The sound quality is outstanding. The video tracks included are: Lucky Star, Borderline, Like A Virgin, Material Girl, Papa Dont Preach, Open Your Heart, La Isla Bonita, Like A Prayer, Express Yourself, Cherish, Oh Father, Vougue & a live performance of Vouge.

The DVD contains a video selection feature so you can jump right to your favorite video. Unfortunately, several videos were missing off of this collection. They were: Burning Up, Everybody, Dress You Up, Crazy For You, The Gambler, Into The Groove, Live To Tell, True Blue, Who's That Girl and Causing A Commotion.

I guess we will have to wait until Madonna releases a full video archive to obtain the complete collection.

The Ultimate Video Artist
Arguably the most influential video artist of the MTV generation, and the one to benefit most from MTV, was Madonna.
This collection is a companion piece of sorts to her CD of the same name, with a few differences here and there. Conspicuously absent are 'Live To Tell', 'True Blue', and 'Into The Groove'.
Early videos like 'Lucky Star' and 'Material Girl' come off a little dated, though still alot of fun to watch. Though all of the vidoes have a distinctive feel, the clutch of videos she produced for the LIKE A PRAYER album remain a benchmark in her videography, particularly the visually stunning 'Express Yourself' and the highly undervalued 'Oh Father'(which remains a creative high-point to this day). The sterling videoclip for 'Vogue' rounds out the set videowise, followed by an unnecessarily tacked-on (and lip-synched) performance of 'Vogue' from one of the MTV Awards shows. Consider this a primer for whats to come--though her biggest radio hits were in the '80s, her best videos came in the '90s, as displayed in her second video compilation 93:99.

The Ultimate Video Collection!
Lucky Star- Nice video, I like Madonna's outfit. 4/5
Borderline- I love this video! 5/5
Like A Virgin- My favorite video on here! 5/5
Material Girl- Wonderful video! 5/5
Papa Don't Preach- This one is very nice. 5/5
Open Your Heart- I never saw this one, yet, but I have seen a little of it. For now, I will give it a 5. 5/5
La Isla Bonita- Amazing video! 5/5
Like A Prayer- It's okay. 3/5
Express Yourself- Very creative video! 5/5
Cherish- I love this video, and I think the song has a good message. 5/5
Oh Father- Beautiful video. 5/5
Vogue- This video is so cool! 5/5
Vogue (From the 1990 MTV Awards Show)- It's okay. 3/5

An Flawless DVD With No Classic Videos Left Out
Madonna and music videos go together like love and marriage. Madonna was ahead of the game right when MTV started, always coming up with the freshest music videos. This collection of of her best vdeos is truly supreme. Let's go through a quick run - through of the videos.

"Lucky Star" is a cute video. Madonna likes lovely and the dancing is superb. It was her first classic video. I love the black and white intro when Madonna pulls down the sunglasses.

"Borderline" is a very cute video. Madonna plays a fashion model. I love the transistion between black and white and color. And once again, Madonna looks gorgeous. Also, in this video, Madonna vaguely resembles D.J. from "Full House".

"Like A Virgin" was without a doubt the video tha cemented her. I love the scenes in Venice when she's dancing in the gondolla. Never cared for that lion man at the end, though.

"Material Girl" was the one that started the comparisons to Marilyn Monroe, maybe because Madonna wore the same dress that Monroe wore in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" in 1953. It is an excellent video, and the one whose set she met future husband and recent Oscar winner Sean Penn on.

"Papa Don't Preach" I didn't like that much. I don't know if it's because of the way Madonna wore her hair in the video or I'm just not a big Danny Aiello fan, but there's something about this video that I don't like. Great song, though.

"Open Your Heart" gets right back on track. The idea of Madonna as a stripper wooing a young boy into a peep show was perfect. And Madonna's hair is beautiful.

"La Isla Bonita" is my least favorite video. I just don't like the way she looks in the video. I never thought she looked all that good as a brunette, and here is no exception (the "Like A Prayer" video is, but I'll get to that later). Killer dress though, and a good song.

"Like A Prayer" caused a ton of controversy when it was released. And why wouldn't it, what with its burning crosses, interracial love affair nd its depiction of Jesus being black? But when you look past all this, it's really a great video. And Madonna looks so beautiful. And about her being a brunette, she looks good with it in this video. In fact, I think the blackhair was required for the video.

"Express Yourself" is a very sensuous video, especially the scene with Madonna naked and chained to the bed. The ending where Madonna grabs her crotch is really pretty funny.

"Cherish" is a very charming video. Shot in black and white (at least I think it is), Madonna stands on the beach, getting soaked by water and yet singing about the sweet love she owns. A nice change of pace from the racier videos on the dvd.

"Oh Father" I really don't remember, so I'll skip it. I remember it was pretty boring, though. And I hated the song.

"Vogue" is such a great video. It's too beautiful to describe in words. All I can say is that Madonna looks gorgeous.

The live performance of "Vogue" is really good. I reccommend this dvd to all Madonna fans who don't already own it.

Complete Madonna
This is the Madonna DVD to own. If you don't own this, and The Immaculate Collection CD - you are truly missing out. The 'live' version of 'Vogue' at the end of the DVD is the icing on the cake. Highlight Videos: Express Yourself, Vogue, Like a Prayer. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Is this the Family Gun, Dad?
One of the best films of the 1980's, At Close Range tells the true story of the Johnston Family gang (changed here to Whitewood) which terrorized Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania in the 1970s by stealing tractor parts and generally being hoods. While the story may sound not too compelling, this film gets a huge boost from some great ensemble acting. This is the movie that got me over my aversion to Sean Penn and Christopher Walken delivers one of the most believably evil people in movies. I grew up in the town this all took place in and Bruce Johnston (Christopher Walken=Brad Whitewood) lived next door to my Uncle. And my Uncle said that Walken nailed this guy's persona. Scary Thought. What saves At Close Range from being just another crime movie is the flair that James Foley brings to the direction. It's often gorgeous, thank to Juan Ruiz Anchia's brilliant cinematography and in no small part to Patrick Leonard's haunting score, keyed to the melody of Live to Tell. How come there was never a soundtrack? Do yourself a favor, check it out and be reminded that evil does exist and in forms more insidious and banal than serial killers and possessed little girls.

My favorite Sean Penn movie
This shows why Sean Penn is the best actor of his (and of any other) generation. An intense, beautifully acted and photographed film based on a true story (the family also lived near my area of PA). It's sad that the movie, Penn and James Foley got so little recognition. The only flaw I could see was that apparently Keifer Sutherland was edited out of the movie except for an appearance at the end.. I've been trying to find a book on this subject and would appreciate any information. Sean, Christopher Walken, Chris Penn, Eileen Ryan (Mrs. Penn), the underused and under-rated Millie Perkins, and Mary Stuart Masterson were all excellent. The last 20 minutes are incredibly riveting.

SUCKED WALKEN COULD HAVE DONE BETTER
At the time Sean Penn was not very known so it didn't surprise me
he would be in this flop of a movie.But Walken was already respected and an oscar winner.What was he thinken.Christopher
Walken is a great actor and he does a good job in this but this
movie is so boring I couldn't wait for it to end.Skip this see
Deer Hunter,Dead Zone for good Walken movies.As for Penn along
with colors thank god for Casualties of war or he would have never gotten were he is today.

The Truer Story...
"At Close Range" is a film that, at the gut level, pursues its audience long after viewing. The brilliant manifestation of acting genius by Penn and Walken is only matched by the haunting realization of this "true story." Undoubtedly, that old saying that true-life is more compelling than fiction takes hold in this case. In all, "At Close Range" digs at the heart of its audience and, with as much attention to sincerity as Hollywood allows, surpasses the disconnect of reality and nightmare. (Something as equally interesting; Mary Stuart Masterson's character in the film was included on behalf of her real-life model Robin Miller--my aunt. The company producing the film was denied permission by my grandmother to use Robin's name, so Hollywood did what it does best--they changed names, capitalized on someone else's tragedy, and denied royalties to the victim's family. I would say, too, that there are only a handful of us who actually know the truer story behind this film, and it is viciously haunting.)

One of my favorite films
Juvenile deliquent Brad Whitewood Jr ( Sean Penn), spends his time in a small town with his friends pulling off petty thefts for small time cash. However, Brad is getting sick of his boring life, and longs to make some serious money. Brad's father (Christopher Walken) is the leader of a serious gang of thieves. Brad has heard the rumors about his father, but never got a chance to know him. So he decides to leave his boring life behind, and sets out to find his father so that he can learn the tricks of the trade and become just like him. At first, Brad's father appears to be a good guy filled with plenty of wisdom and helpful hints on how to make it big. But when Brad witnesses his father intentionally kill someone, he realizes that he may be in over his head.

"At Close Range" is a great film. The story is based on the real life story of killer Bruce Johnson. With the acception of the character's names being chaged, the film features an accurate interpretation of events. It is truly a shame that no one really knows about this film. It features a powerful and emotional tale of an American criminal family. The film is very captivating and draws you in from the beginning. The story is great because it combines a somewhat touching look at a son getting to know his father, with an extremely well thought out crime story. This film emphasizes the term "appearances can be deceiving" because as the story goes on, Brad begins to learn what type of man his father really is. There is also a nice romance aspect to the story because Sean Penn's character meets and falls for a woman played by Mary Stuart Masterson.

Sean Penn and Christopher Walken offer two of their finest performances in this film, which is another reason why it is a shame that no one knows about this movie. "At Close Range" shows that Sean Penn was a great actor before "Mystic River". He nails the role with his perfect portrayal of being rebellious and naive at the same time. Christopher Walken is great because he plays both the loving father and the hardened criminal so well. Walken's performance in this film will give you the creeps. It really was the perfect role for him. Overall, I would place "At Close Range" at the top of the "unknown gem" category. This film is probably one of the best crime films I have ever seen. The story is absolutely fantastic and the actors involved could not have given better peformances.

A solid 5 stars... ... Read more

Amazon.com

Nick Chen (Chow Yun-Fat) is not your average New York cop. Working in Chinatown has its multifarious cultural nuances and its fair share of ubiquitous enticement, both of which are reflected indetective Chen's weary face. He had to get into bed with the highest echleons of the Chinese Mafia as a way of augmenting his own career, while maintaining a semblance of control over the dime-a-dozen hoods who proliferate on this turf. To make matters worse, he now has to break in rookie detective Danny Wallace (Mark Wahlberg), who has asked to be assigned to the Chinatown division. Apparently Wallace is infatuated with all things Chinese, or is suffering from "Yellow Fever," as his fellow colleagues would have us believe. Chen, not one to suffer fools gladly, takes young Wallace under his protective wing, oft-warning the shady powers of the neighborhood not to sink Danny into their sordid pool of corruption. But before he knows it, both he and Wallace are caught in a deadly ring of double-crosses, shady-dealings, murders, and car chases. And all of this under the suspicious eye of Internal Affairs.

Part Serpico and part Hard Boiled, this film seems at first to be a major departure from director James Foley's previous work. However, Foley has frequently revealed a keen eye and understanding for emotionally complex relationships, especially between teacher and pupil (Glengarry Glen Ross) or father and son (At Close Range). This movie is no different. In fact, Foley's meticulous attention to the relationship between the wise, morally burdened Chen, and the naïve, innocent Wallace morphs this otherwise tedious plot into a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Hats off to Chow Yun-Fat and Mark Wahlberg, whose sympathetic chemistry creates an authentic and deeply personal connection, a factor that proves crucial to the film's poignant, disturbing finale. --Jeremy Storey ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Too Long!
Despite bad reviews I enjoyed Chow Yun Fat in the Replacement Killers. It was not up to par with his John Woo stuff but I enjoyed it very much.

The Corrupter is Chow Yun Fat's second American film. He is perfectly cast as a shady New York City cop in China town. Mark Walhberg is also very good as his new partner. Another good performance was by Brian Cox as Walhberg's father.

The film has some great action parts. The film also does a great job contrasting Chinese and US culture. On many levels its a great film about cultural diffusion.

However, despite some great cultural exchanges, good actions scenes, and great acting the film in my opinion was not very good.

Its too long and by the last 20 minutes the story is dragging and dragging. I wanted to like this film very much, but the story itself and its collapse into boredom at the end sank this film for me.

This was a good effort but it failed to cross the finish line. It is worth a rental, but not too buy. You will not want to watch this film more than once.

Again, I really wanted to like this film and wish I could have.

DON'T EVER LISTEN TO ANYONE WHO LIKED THE REPLACEMENT KILLER
It makes me sick that "The replacement killers" gets praise. CHow yun fat is an actor, not just a suit with guns. The Corruptor, was an equal blend of this, good action sequences and a good story. Chow plays nick chen, a NY cop on the Asian Gang unit. newcomer Danny Wallace (Wahlberg), is put on the unit, to take down mobster henry lee before the local punk fukienese dragons gang puts him out of business. There are so many twists and turns in this film that i don't want to give anything away. I had high hopes for this film, after the replacement killers and it fulfilled them. It gave chow a chance to act (more than the 13 words he had in replacement killers), not just shoot (although it's nice). The ending of the film I found particularly well shot and acted. All in all a good showcase for chow's talents, and a worthy third rank under Serpico and prince of the city for movies about police corruption.

If all bad cops could be this good!
I loved the confrantation that Danny Wallace had with his dad about the contemplation of what to do about turning in his partner Nick Chen .. I won't spoil the quote you have to take it in context of the scenario of the movie. What an impact it made in my life that what I do in my life will be what I live with. I don't know if I over looked the goings on with Nick Chen because after all he was Yun-Fat Chow or that his over looking Uncle Benny's activities was some how a kindness to help May a lost drug addict and prostitute unable to escape her fate he tries to be more then a cop in her heart. The entire movie was tastefully done, story line excellant, directed in a way to make you laugh, cry, sit at the edge of you chair during those action scenes. Not to mention the sound track subpurbly done. I have had always found Yun-Fat Chow a believable actor in all rolls he portray; this movie he stole my heart (more then in Anna and the King).. the ending must be seen to appreciate how to me he was a good cop, with admiration to the writer in whatever message he wanted to leave you at the end. If you thought Mark Wahlberg was exceptional in this roll you should see him in The Perfect Storm and never thought he would play such a sicko in Fear but had me convinced. Lady's don't judge all men by what goes on in this movie but be wise to it's message of common sense. It always amazes me when an actor can play his/her complete opposite. I look forward to watching more of both of these great actors movies. Don't wait to buy THE CORRUPTOR should it go out of print you will regret it! Well I think so. Thanks for listening - Bye. Would welcome your comments too.

Wow!
I was really surprised by how good this movie is. I figured a straight-forward shoot-'em-up and some exotic intrigue was about all it would have going for it. The cover had the usual fatuous nonsense on it: "You can't play by the rules when there aren't any." Why is it 90% of video covers have a reformulation of the same stupid subtitle? Apparently there is some lucky guy out there is employed writing new, yet indistinguishable ways to either deny the existence of Rules/Boundaries/etc. or at least deny their applicability to some beautiful, well-armed people. Good for him.

Anyway, this movie definitely exceeded my expectations. Great direction, but most of all great performances from Chow-Yun Fat and Mark Wahlberg. Wahlberg's relationship with his father was fairly cliched, yet it still came across as believable. The various moral predicaments of the two cops were just as interesting and well-done as the fight scenes. There is one major chase scene, which I found silly after a while, since it gave the impression that there were absolutely no other police cars within ten miles of some maniac with an Uzi blowing away civilians.

But that is a nothing criticism. Really, the only sore spot was the FBI goonish guy, who was both tiresome and one-dimensional in comparison with the other characters. But on the main, an excellent action-thriller. Chow-Yun Fat wasn't limited by John Woo's formula this time around, and his chops definitel show as a result.

Best Chow Yun-Fat film so far, EXCELLENT PLOT
This movie has excellent plot and is not one of those mindless John Woo action films. Acutally, it is the ONLY John Woo films that has a good plot in addition to the usual good actions. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Will Grow In Stature Over Time
It was easy not to notice this in theaters a decade ago, but time has been exceedingly kind to AFTER DARK & likely will continue to be. Already it stands as one of the 90s best films.
Though its Southwestern locations (Indio, California was used) are both a bit too sparse and modern, in every other way this captures the ineffable aura of Jim Thompson's prose (and anyone who's actually READ "The Getaway" knows how utterly impossible a task translating his best effects to film really is). Director Foley has done a splendid job in setting a tone of dreamlike, sunburned melancholy and maintaining it throughout, aided immeasurably by fine performances by Rachel Ward & Bruce Dern and an absolutely riveting one by Jason Patric. I had faint hopes for this film before seeing it, due mostly to Patric in the lead; I was floored watching it, and all DUE to Patric's performance. Though a little young for the part, he captures perfectly the likable ambivalence and roiling inner pathology of the Jim Thompson Hero: you never stop feeling for the guy even as you know he will inevitably be compelled by his inner torments to do monstrous things before the story ends. Patric's complete immersion into "Kid Collins" steals a little thunder from one of Bruce Dern's most chillingly indelible portrayals of slime personified, "Uncle Bud". (Fans of Dennis Hopper's "Frank Booth" from BLUE VELVET would take to Uncle Bud immediately, I think.)
More than any other film adaptation of Thompson, AFTER DARK -even more than THE GRIFTERS - embodies that peculiar cowtown existentialism of his that tells us we're each of us alone in a world where things start bad and only get worse, pretending we're sane the way kids pretend there's a Santa Claus. A film without an audience in 1990, but little by little, year by year, a growing and appreciative audience is building. See this movie.

Great Movie, Nice DVD
Great neo-noir set in rural California. I saw this movie in the theater with about 5 other people. Most of you missed it then, don't miss it now. After Dark, My Sweet is great on all counts. The acting, plot, script -- all are superb.

Jason Patric terrific in modern film noir
it seems like you don't see too much of Jason Patric in movies, which is a shame because he is one fine actor. [Another little- seem indie film he's wonderful in is 'Incognoto']. He takes 'After Dark, my Sweet' from just another movie about down and dirty people doing down and dirty things to something more meaningful and artistically satisfying.

This is a dark, dark tale about a once promising boxer [Patric] who has become an aimless drifter. He's one of those lost souls that no one on earth cares about. In the California desert,he drifts into the life of a sad, boozy widow [Rachel Ward]. He begins to feel that someone might actually need him, but it turns out that she and a friend named Uncle Bud [Bruce Dern] are up to no good. It starts to look like the boxer is just someone they can use in a criminal plan they have cooked up. Maybe. Maybe not. No one here is what they appear to be.

I thought the film was very well constructed, with all the elements gradually building up to the ominous [and inevitable] conclusion. Others, however, will find it to be too slow. This is an old-school thriller with more emphasis on studying the characters than on the actions of the characters.

An intense dark drama.
When a moody, wandering Ex-Boxer (Jason Partic) who may or may not be as punch drunk as he seems. When he meets a beguiling widow (Rachel Ward) and ex-detective turned Con Man (Bruce Dern) and then they get mixed-up in a Kidnap-Ransom scheme that turns soon into a living hell.

Directed by James Foley (Glengarry Glen Ross) has made a stylish thriller with atmosphere dominate this gritty adaptation of Jim Thompson`s hardboiled novel. Jason Partic gives a terrific outstanding performance in this one. Fine Performances by Ward and Dern. Super 35. Grade:A-.

Will Grow In Stature Over Time
It was easy not to notice this in theaters a decade ago, but time has been exceedingly kind to AFTER DARK & likely will continue to be. Already it stands as one of the 90s best films.
Though its Southwestern locations (Indio, California was used) are both a bit too sparse and modern, in every other way this captures the ineffable aura of Jim Thompson's prose (and anyone who's actually READ "The Getaway" knows how utterly impossible a task translating his best effects to film really is). Director Foley has done a splendid job in setting a tone of dreamlike, sunburned melancholy and maintaining it throughout, aided immeasurably by fine performances by Rachel Ward & Bruce Dern and an absolutely riveting one by Jason Patric. I had faint hopes for this film before seeing it, due mostly to Patric in the lead; I was floored watching it, and all DUE to Patric's performance. Though a little young for the part, he captures perfectly the likable ambivalence and roiling inner pathology of the Jim Thompson Hero: you never stop feeling for the guy even as you know he will inevitably be compelled by his inner torments to do monstrous things before the story ends. Patric's complete immersion into "Kid Collins" steals a little thunder from one of Bruce Dern's most chillingly indelible portrayals of slime personified, "Uncle Bud". (Fans of Dennis Hopper's "Frank Booth" from BLUE VELVET would take to Uncle Bud immediately, I think.)
More than any other film adaptation of Thompson, AFTER DARK -even more than THE GRIFTERS - embodies that peculiar cowtown existentialism of his that tells us we're each of us alone in a world where things start bad and only get worse, pretending we're sane the way kids pretend there's a Santa Claus. A film without an audience in 1990, but little by little, year by year, a growing and appreciative audience is building. See this movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

A top cast consisting of veteran aces Gene Hackman and Faye Dunaway can't rescue this way-too-long, dreadfully earnest version of John Grisham's equally gimpy novel. There areseveral problems in this story of an intertwined Southern family who must disentangle themselves from the past and the dark shadow of a 1967 bombing. That terrorist attack led to the deaths of two Jewish children and was pinned on the black-sheep patriarch of the family, a racist, card-carrying Klansman named Sam Cayhall (Hackman), who is now serving time on death row for the hate crime. Years later, the savior grandson cometh. Young-buck lawyer Adam Hall--played with righteous determination and limited range by Chris O'Donnell--pulls out all the stops to save his client from the Mississippi gas chamber. As is usual in Grisham country, the poor lawyer becomes embroiled in a plan more diabolical, corrupt, and layered than he could guess and the truth spirals out of control, endangering lives, and opening old wounds. The Chamber attempts to twist and turn through its plodding story, but there is no gray area in which to force the viewer to weigh his or her conscience against the skewed facts. Everything that occurs in The Chamber is black or white, good or bad, and there is no crisis of conflict to make us question the morality and stance of the two sides in play. The bad guys are awful, the politicians are bought off, the cops are either corrupt or apathetic, and only one puny guy is left to bring down a house of cards that's been standing solidly for decades. O'Donnell is quickly put to shame by Hackman, who even manages to suffer through a sadistically long, melodramatic stroll down death row with his dignity intact. --Paula Nechak ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Echo Chamber
The Chamber represents one of only two John Grisham novels that I've read over the years. For the most part, I have enjoyed the film adaptations of his books, regardless of whether or not I looked at the source material or not. While the film boasts another great performance from Gene Hackman, it's still lacking, especially when I compare it to the book.

Adam Hall (Chris O'Donnell)is an idealistic young lawyer, who travels to Mississippi to plea for the life of an inmate, scheduled to die in the gas chamber in four weeks. The condemned man is an unyielding bigot, who happens to be the attorney's estranged grandfather, Sam Cayhall (Hackman). It is learned through a series of flashbacks, that the Cayhall family history is complicated, through Adam's visits with Lee (Faye Dunaway).

Director James Foley tries his best...unfortunately nothing can help the film. It's clear almost from frame one that O'Donnell is miscast. His performance reminds me of a male teenager going through puberty. He just didn't have the necessary range to go toe to toe with Hackman. For his part, he does a fine job, but could have used support. Dunaway could have phoned it in--with better results. The film ruins any of the book's suspense. There's none of the guess work about what's gonna happen--I can only only say the book version is better...but not as good as the novel A Time To Kill.

I think the folks at Universal knew what they had here. The DVD only has a few production notes and the theatrical trailer in the way of any extras. Given the film...that's a good thing. Save for Hackman you may want to just stick with the book.

not the best
This movie is about a young lawer trying to get his gramd father out of prison. The grandfather is on death row. In the end ol' grandfather gets gassed. Groos this movie was mot to great but the acting and bachgrounds were great. The plot was the worst ever.

Don't bother
About halfway through the book,"The Chamber", I discovered that the movie would be airing on television. It's pretty difficult to review a film that can barely hold your attention, steadily, for no more than half an hour. It lacks the gripping drama and suspense of the book and of other Grisham novel adaptations like "The Firm" and most especially "A Time to Kill".

With the exception of Gene Hackman as death row inmate Sam Cayhall, the casting is what most hurts this movie. Chris O'Donnell may have been the big "it" guy as far as young actors at the time this movie was made, but he just can't hack it in the role of a lawyer. Especially one who is defending his grandfather on death row. You'd expect a lot more emotion and charisma. O'Donnell's portrayal lacks this natural emotion and frankly, the confidence needed in general to be a convincing attorney. Lela Rochon is rarely good as anything but eye candy and since that is not her role here, she doesn't fit. In the most odd and questionable casting move, football player Bo Jackson as the death row warden? They shouldn't have adapted this great novel into a film, at least not at a time when the field of young actors was so scarce and undesirable.

The storyline is great but in the film it is so cut down that you're best off to just stick with the book version.

LONG BORING NOVEL = SHORT MOVIE THAT BOMBED
Chris O'Donnell, Gene Hackman, Faye Dunaway star in this terrible boring movie based on John Grisham's novel.

O'Donnell stars as idealistic young attorney Adam Hall who takes on the death row clemency case of his onetime klansman grandfather, Sam Cayhall (Hackman). With just 28 days before the execution, Adam sets out to retrace the events leading to the crime for which Sam was convicted. As the impending death sentence looms closer, Adam works quickly to uncover the family's history for any - hidden clues.

There is a serious problem with the book and movie, the book is long and so boring and it's sad to say a bestseller. The movie is short and a obvious bomb. Usually John Grisham books are great, thrilling suspensful fun. While John Grisham's movies are long and good, there at least 150 minutes this one was 1 hour and 53 minutes. What happend here? I'll tell you a lousy novel equals a lousy movie.

Very good plot.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, if nothing else, to the movie. Al Pacino is great, and when Adam Cayhall shoots down all the monsters from mars, let me tell ya, you could watch it over and over again. I don't want to give away any secrets, but the highspeed eighteen wheeler chases across a busy highway in on coming traffic.... that takes you buy the throat and swings ya around, squeezing harder and harder and never letting go until it snaps, and your head falls down onto your chest, (because theres nothing holding it of course!) and snaps your collarbone with it... it splinters into many peices within your body. Anyway... I just would like to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, and In my opinion, this was the best war movie yet. ... Read more

Reviews (54)

"Sometimes, Jake, style can get you killed...."
Confidence, is a nifty entry in the grifters/caper flick that should please the many fans of that genre (I'm one, and I enjoyed it). Edward Burns has the lead in a terrific cast as Jake Vig, master Confidence man and the brains behind a veteran team of con-men who must pull off a difficult sting to extricate themselves from the wrath of a gangster played with sly nastiness by Dustin Hoffman, who has already had a member of Jake's team killed.

Jake recruits the gorgeous Rachel Weisz to replace the murdered member of the team, and we get the planning and execution of the caper with, of course, snags, hitches,double & triple crosses. This one has its fair share of twists and turns and, of course, that is the fun in these types of films.

Full of snappy, smart-ass dialogue and with superb actors, like Hoffman and Andy Garcia, doing a lot with what are actually small supporting roles, director Foley keeps it tight and fast at 97 minutes.

In truth, my only complaint is that with such a great cast that includes: Paul Giamatti, Donal Logue, Luis Guzman, a completely wasted Robert Forster, plus, of course, Garcia, Weisz and Hoffman I only wished that the film was longer, had more plot and more for them all to do. Nevertheless, like a light and fast Mamet-style ensemble piece, this one entertained me all the way. Worth a look.

Confidence-It's not about the money. It's about the money.
Confidence, a new con-caper from director James Foley and featuring an all-star cast is clever, funny and sophisticated. Edward Burns plays Jake Vig the handsome con man, the leader of so-called "professionals." Pulling off a con for these guys is a sinch or so it seems when Burn's men by accident steal money from the wrong guy, Winston King played by masterful Dustin Hoffman. Vig has two options, die or pull off the slickest and biggest con of his career. In the new pack he brings along a sexy con artist, Lily played by beautiful Rachel Weisz and his returning crew featuring Paul Giamatti, Brian Van Holt and Luis Guzman. Though Burns is in on some trouble because a Special Agent is on his tail played by Andy Garcia looking rather old with his beard.
Though Confidence has a great, intricate plot that perplexes, the film features many colorful characters, different in a unique way which makes the film even more watchable and interesting. The film is filmed in flashbacks in the sense that Burn's character is being held at gunpoint, which can be irritating at times. Though viewing this film is well worth the money, infact I bought it without seeing it and I enjoyed it very much. I wish I saw this one in theatres but oh well I'm glad I got to see it right away when it was released on Video and DVD.
Confidence is rated R for Language, Violence and Sexuality/Nudity. The language can be rather strong and excessive at times, the violence is understated, which includes some gunplay (usually bloody) and fistfights. The sexuality isn't explicit but it does contain reasonably strong sexual innuendo and partial nudity. I highly recommened this one.

This Movie Rocks!
Speaking as a lady who loves " heist " and " con man " films, this is now on the top of my list. I've passed this DVD up tons of times in stores but tonight I saw the film on Cinemax and instantly fell in love with it. It has all the elements needed for a good thief/con man movie: the handsome, cocky con man, the beautiful sidekick, corny criminals, funny crooked cops, and a talented veteran actor like Dustin Hoffman. Though Hoffman's part is more like a cameo, he makes his mark and sets the tone for the entire movie. I am not going to go into long details since other reviewers were kind enough to give more information.

Just know that I fully recommend this movie! If you like films like Heat, City of Industry, The Heist, Safe Men and The Score, well Confidence is something you cannot pass up. I'm buying the DVD and you definitely should too.

Too cleaver for its own good
It has style all right but the film lacks substance, and a likeable leading man. Ed Burns can be those things if he had a good script to work with but he character comes a cross as very unlikable though out most of the movie, and his voice overs lacks the intelligence of a man who knows what he is doing. Its not Burns fault at all but he comes across more like a street kid who grew up than a man who has his finger on the pulse of the con that he is trying to pull. Paul Giamati is fine but does the same stick he always does, and Andy Garcia lacks the charisma to pull off his role well. The real acting of this movie comes from Rachel Weisz, who is better than the material that is giving to her, and she proves that in spades by the way she makes you watch her every move. She was much more believable con artist than the card board cut outs that Ed Burns and his men were, and she would have made a much better lead in this film as well if the director and the screenwriter wanted to make a better movie. The other actor who gave a great performance was Dustin Hoffman, who does go over the top in certain scenes with his performance but never the less was a menacing force to be reckoned with. The script is a problem with cliches at every corner, and the ending is so predicable that you would be a fool not to be able to predict it.

My Hats off to Rachel Weisz and Dustin Hoffman for giving great performances but the movie as a whole is not worth your time.

The 3 stars is for them.

Formulaic Con Movie Worth a Rent Maybe
I guess it all depends what you want to get out of it doesn't it? If you want to burn soem tiem watching a well-made con movie then this fits the bill. However if you need a little originality or spark then this will fall short. I found it enjoyable enough but it felt more like watching reruns of something you like than seeing soemthing new and amazing. It is so similar to other grift/con films that it is easy to get comfortable with it but also very hard to take it seriously. ... Read more

Description

Academy Award(R)-winning actor Al Pacino (SCENT OF A WOMAN) stars in this heart-warming, critically acclaimed motion picture about a boy, his grandfather, and the lucky quarter that brings them together. Gennaro is a youngster who'll do anything to earn "two bits" -- a quarter -- to get into the brand-new neighborhood movie theater. It's a magical place where dreams can come true, but after a day of unforgettable adventures he finds his pockets are still empty ... until his mischievous grandpa (Pacino) offers him an intriguing bargain! Also featuring Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (THE PERFECT STORM), TWO BITS is a lively coming-of-age story everyone is sure to love! ... Read more

Reviews (71)

JONSIN' FOR SEASON TWO
I am a huge David Lynch fan. ESPECIALY Twin Peaks. I own the episodes on VHS (as horrible in quality as they are), and was so happy when I found season one on DVD. I was extremely impressed with the quality of the DVDs (especialy after wearing out the already bad VHS tapes). What I enjoy most with the DVDs, in comparison to the VHS tapes (aside from the obvious quality improvement), is the optional intro with the Log Lady.

In some false hope that the powers that be may read this I have to ask, why couldn't the entire series have been put into one package as was done with the VHS tapes to begin with? The first season was really only a half season anyway. I beg you to release the second season on DVD, even if it is through an order form as a previous "review" suggested. This is seriously torture thinking that I may have to revert to my VHS tapes forever to finish the series.

don't toss your crummy vhs copy of season two yet
Hmph, website won't let me withhold my rating.

Taking skawes' Dec. 1 advice, I just spoke over the phone with an individual from Artisan's Home Entertainment division and learned that a Season Two DVD set doesn't show up anywhere on Artisan's 2003 production calendar.

This probably means either:
1)they're not making anything public (I didn't pretend to be a Hollywood Video regional purchaser or anything),
2)they haven't acquired the rights for dvd production (I'm guessing that's not the case, although the person who I spoke to wasn't sure), or
3)they really don't see a point in pursuing what many still misperceive as a stagnant cult market...

...which is unfortunate. I've owned the Season One DVDs for over a year, but I've resisted watching them until the rest of the series is released. I don't think I could bear watching 7 beautifully remastered, dolby digital, crystal clear, tear-inducing episodes only to be forced to revert to my old stretched out fuzzy vhs tapes for season two. better to wait. another year.. maybe more...

Lynch's Genius - Fans' Frustration
I am also a frustrated fan. I don't even have the luxury of having a set of crappy VHS tapes. I have not yet seen the television series from beginning to end. I have the original pilot, the first season, and firewalk on DVD, and have been patiently waiting for the release of season 2. I am pissed.
I don't know if this means anything, but I know that TP is a hard swallow for some people (who I think are just braindead anyway) but being introduced to TP the way I was may have been what caught my attention. I first saw firewalk before any other episodes, and the film made utter and complete sense to me. The interviews with the cast made it seem that the storyline when 'awry' for most of them. But watching the beginning after seeing the end... (or is that seeing the end after watching the beginning?) made me realise that the 'end' couldn't have occurred any differently. That show was well thought out, and the symbolism is gut level, as well as spiritual - and not just 'supernatural' as I've heard it described. I believe the whole story to be about the spiritual turmoil that results from abuse at the hands of those we trust the most, and the despair that results. Genius. Lynch is a genius.

my tapes died long ago
PLEASE get the 2nd season DVD out pronto. I know it's due out soon in region 2 so it's just the corporate jerks and studio gobblers holding this up. My vhs tapes died long ago (not that they were great to start with) and now the video rental store doesn't even carry them anymore (I think I was the only one who ever checked them out)! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!! I realize there's a bit more to the TP than there is to the crap they pump out for bad tv shows a day after the season is over, but I know it's ready to go just waiting for the studios to decide who's going to rip us off by splitting season 2 into 2 parts or something. ugh.

It seems logical to me....
Twin Peaks only had two seasons before it was cut down by network idiots. Season 1 is the only one (of the two, remember) to make it to DVD thus far. CRAP like "Friends," "King of the Hill," and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer (sorry Buffy fans--the show really is awful)" are into at least their 3rd seasons on DVD. What's the deal? THERE ARE ONLY TWO SEASONS OF TWIN PEAKS-----EVER. YOU CAN"T GIVE SOMEONE SEASON ONE AND NOT SEASON TWO WHEN THERE ARE ONLY TWO SEASONS!!!!!! I FEEL LIKE I'M LOSING MY MIND HERE! AAAARRRRRRRRGH! ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you like the twisted, amoral characters that inhabit the world of pulp novelist Jim Thompson, you're going to love After Dark, My Sweet, one of the most faithful of many Thompson adaptations.Protagonist Kevin "Kid" Collins (Jason Patric), called "Collie" by those attracted to his shaggy dog side, escapes from a mental hospital and shuffles into a lonely desert town (and Patric really has the gait of a former pugilist down). Enter widow Fay Anderson (Rachel Ward), with legs that could stop a truck and a half-baked scheme to kidnap the scion of a rich family, which she's dreamed up with her unctuous and untrustworthy Uncle Bud (Bruce Dern), and it's the beginning of the end for the likable Kid.

After Dark, My Sweet is a film about judging people. No one is who they seem. Only by guessing their true intentions can Collins have a chance to survive.The film also has brilliant performances by the three leads,especially Dern, whose Uncle Bud is delightfully unhinged.Director James Foley (Glengarry Glen Ross, The Corruptor) is subtly adept at fleshing out the characters and their ambiguities, which solves the problem inherent in adapting Thompson's sleazy tales--namely, that much of the drama is internal, and therefore unfilmable). --Wayne Karrfalt ... Read more