We've all seen many films that have an assassination plot laced with politics galore that probably span the globe as far as different locales are concerned. Anywhere from "The Assassination of Richard Nixon" to "Lincoln" to "The Day of the Jackal", Hollywood is fraught with films like these. Is it no wonder that people have become intrigued with the sniper/ assassination concept since so many have been produced, that we now have another in the offing called "The Gunman"?
In 2006, a sniper on a mercenary assassination team, working for an unknown client, kills the minister of mines of the Congo. Jim Terrier's (Sean Penn's) successful kill shot forces him to go into hiding to protect himself and the members of the team from retribution. This includes abruptly abandoning his girlfriend, Annie (Jasmine Trinca) who has no idea what is going on. The assassination, paid for by a foreign mining company, triggers wide spread chaos and death in an already inflamed Congo. Eight years later, Terrier returns to the Congo working for an NGO, but eventually finds himself to be the target of a paid hit squad somehow connected to the minister's assassination. This leads to immediate deaths and the endangerment of the people working around him including Stanley (Ray Winstone), and forces him back into hiding. In trying to discover who has put a price on his head, he begins to reconnect to the members of his old assassination team, including his old girlfriend and one Terry Cox (Mark Rylance).
Others to round out the cast are Javier Bardem as Felix, Idris Elba as Agent DuPont, Peter Franzen as Reiniger, Billy Billingham as Reed, Daniel Adegboyega as Bryson, Ade Oyefeso as Eugene and Rachel Lascar as Camille.
This was directed by Pierre Morel ("District B13" '04, "Taken" '08, "From Paris with Love" '10) plus TV, who knows a thing or two about these type of films. His resume speaks for itself, and it shows in this vehicle. He's quite adept at showing fear, worry, concern that is emitted from his actors. It was written by Don MacPherson, Pete Travis and Sean Penn based on the novel "The Prone Gunman" by Jean-Patrick Manchette. The problem here is that when different locales and time periods are being used, it is extremely easy to allow the script to become bogged down with inconsistencies and areas of confusion. Part of the problem may be that there were three writers involved here which can cause too many ideas in one screenplay. Possibly having one or maybe no more than two writers would have been more definitive in script. It starts out a bit slow to a point that I yawned a couple of times, however if you're patient, this script does pick up and becomes more compelling as the story progresses. Penn does his usual top notch performance, but this certainly looks like he practically yawned through this--not much to sink his teeth into.
This wasn't a total wash--it had some great action scenes with some amazing stunts, but, at the end of the day, this was not the original story we would hope coming from a Penn flick. Certainly, if you like assassination/espionage films, this film will rock you, but to the average film-going movie fan, it really is just another day at the office.
Out of 4 Stars: 2.5 Rated: R 115mins.
One thing is certain about horror films: they are either extremely well done or they are incredibly a waste of artistry. To be honest, the horror genre is not one of my favorites, however if a filmmaker can give me an amazing premise, storyline and execution, I can enjoy the ride of being scared which is why most people enjoy this genre. Everybody really likes to be scared, especially if there's no consequences involved, so when "It Follows" came along, the premise seemed so interesting, that I was willing to take a stab (pun intended) at it.
For nineteen-year-old Jay Height (Maika Monroe), Autumn should be about school, boys and week-ends out at the lake. But after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter with a new boyfriend, Hugh (Jake Weary), she finds herself plagued by strange visions and the inescapable sense that someone, something is following her. Faced with this burden which is passed on from person to person as she experienced with Hugh, Jay and her friends including Paul (Keir Gilchrist), Greg Hannigan (Daniel Zovatto), her sister Kelly (Lili Sepe) and others, must find a way to escape the horrors that seem to be only a few steps behind. The catch? As Hugh told her after the encounter, pass it on, and that if she dies, 'they' will go after the predecessor and keep going back.
others to round out the cast are Olivia Luccardi as Yara, Debbie Williams as Mrs. Height, Jay's mom, and Leisa Pulido as Mrs. Hannigan, Greg's mom.
This was written and directed by David Robert Mitchell ("The Myth of the American Sleeper" '10) plus one short--"Virgin" '02. His direction was effective, basically adequate to the task in that these characters emitted the emotions one would expect given the situations they were presented. Where this project falls short is in the writing. What started as an original, fresh and unique premise, soon gave way to choppiness, non-cohesiveness, and areas that were not even explained, all with an ending that just drops in your lap. Mind you, I have no problem with not having a 'tied with a nice ribbon' ending--Hitchcock didn't have a lot of traditional endings in his projects. However, Hitchcock didn't drop the 'no ending' on the audience's head either. I went to see this film because of the premise--it seemed so intriguing to me even though I'm not a huge fan of horror films, but after seeing this I realize that Mitchell should maybe cut his teeth on TV work and possibly graduate to feature films. He doesn't have a ton of experience and TV would be a great place for honing one's skills.
If you are a fan of the horror genre, you'll probably like this--written well or not, but if you are one that needs to be wooed into the multiplex with a genre that you can take or leave, wait for another horror film that is better executed.
Out of 4 Stars: 1.5 Rated: R 100mins.
Why is it that most trailers for animated films look silly and saccharine-drenched? I guess it's because the major demographic that is being wooed is that of kids, however a ton of animated movies have proven themselves to be catered toward kids and adults alike. So when I was bombarded with many trailers of "Home", it just looked tired, trite and over-cooked (writing wise). Wow! Was I totally off the mark!
When Oh (Jim Parsons), a loveable misfit 'geek' from another planet, lands on Earth and finds himself on the run from his own people lead by one Captain Smek (Steve Martin), he forms an unlikely friendship with an adventurous girl named Gratuity Tucci or Tip (Rihanna) for short, who is on a quest of her own--to find her mom, Lucy (Jennifer Lopez). Through a series of comic adventures with Tip, Oh comes to finally understand that being different and making mistakes is all part of being human, even though he is not. And while he changes her planet and she changes his world, they discover the true meaning of the word HOME, because at the end of the day, home is the secure place we all retreat to.
Others to round out the cast are Matt Jones as Kyle, Brian Stepanek as Gorg Commander/ Father/Boov, April Lawrence as Boov Announcer, Stephen Kearin, Lisa Stewart and April Winchell all as Boovs.
This was whimsically and playfully directed by Tim Johnson ("Antz" '98, "Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas" '03, "Over the Hedge" '06) plus shorts. Even though this guy lives in an animated world, he knows what he knows best and he does it with finesse and charm. The emotions he was able to emit from these characters, especially Oh, was fun, explorative and truly passionate toward their cause. It was equally well written by Tom J. Astle and Matt Ember ("Failure to Launch" '06, "Get Smart" '08, "Epic" '13) with "Get Smart 2" announced. These guys have definitely improved because both "Failure to Launch" and "Get Smart" were incredibly predictable and contrived. Believe me, when I saw these two names as writers, I certainly thought twice about viewing it, however after seeing this, like I said above, I was totally off the mark. The character development, again especially Oh, was well thought out, fresh and original. Jim Parsons owned the character of Oh to the point of perfection. This starts a bit slow, but I believe it's purposed, so be patient and this will soar for you.
This animated flick is like others in that it's cute, fun with a great message--that our differences make us, not detract. But with a fun, adventurous script and amazingly meaty character development, this is just the perfect mix for anyone who is a kid at heart, and all in a nifty 3D format.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG 94mins.
In a day where there is so much uncertainty going on around us--a bad economy, an upward crime rate, unemployment still at an all time high, divorce growing by leaps and bounds, etc., it should be no surprise that inspirational films have become a regular staple in the film world. Films such as "Soul Surfer", "Courageous", "Fireproof", "Facing the Giants", "God's Not Dead", and the like have paved their way into the multiplex, mostly within the last dozen years or so. So it's no wonder that "Do You Believe?" wouldn't follow suit.
A dozen different souls including Samantha (Mira Sorvino), Joe (Brian Boswell) Carlos (Joseph Julian Soria), Bobby (Liam Matthews), Teri (Cybill Shepherd), J.D. (Lee Majors) and others, all moving in different directions, all longing for something more. As their lives unexpectedly, inexplicably intersect, they each are about to discover there is power in the Cross of Christ... even if they don't yet believe it. When a local pastor, Matthew (Ted McGinley) is shaken to the core by the visible faith of an old street-corner preacher, Malachi (Delroy Lindo), instead of dismissing this guy as a sort of zealous fanatic, he is reminded that true belief always requires action. His response ignites a faith-fueled journey that powerfully impacts everyone it touches in ways that only God could orchestrate.
Others to round out the cast are Sean Astin as Dr. Farell, Alexa PenaVega as Lacey, Madison Pettis as Maggie, Andrea Logan White as Andrea, Makenzie Moss as Lily, Arthur Cartwright as Little B, Senyo Amoaku as Kriminal, and Valerie Dominguez as Elena.
This was effectively directed by Jonathan M. Gunn ("Mercy Streets" 2000, "My Date with Drew" (Documentary) '04, "Like Dandelion Dust" '09, "The Week" '14). He was able to brings the gambit of emotions out of these actors that one might go through as they are seeking a spiritual walk--whether they realize it or not, and most people don't actually realize it. The way these emotions were emitted were extremely realistic--where some would change and some, clearly, would not. It was well scripted by a collaborating team of writers, Chuck Konzelman and Cary Solomon who were, amongst others films, instrumental in writing the recent, "God's Not Dead" which not only packed a wallop, but was a surprise hit. But considering that many are seeking a way to ease their problems and worries in this life, it is no wonder that films like these would not be successful. This, like "God's Not Dead" is presented in a sort of "Crash" '05 type of format--just a spiritual slant on it. So, if you liked the film, "Crash", you will assuredly like this script.
Whether one is 'searching' or not out there in that cold, cruel world, there is certainly something for everyone here as these people stumble along life and find what they are looking for, and some that do not. But this is life--whether it be good, bad or ugly.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 115mins.
What would Hollywood do without the assistance of franchises to keep that never ending flow of money always flowing? It is amazing how many Hollywood franchises have been created, such as "Planet of the Apes", "The Hunger Games", "Stars Wars", "The Bond Series", "Harry Potter" just to mention a handful. Now we have the second installment of the "Divergent Series" entitled "Insurgent". Will the franchises end? Not if they keep churning out the cash they generate.
One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley) must continue to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love. This installment of the Divergent series raises the stakes for Tris as she searches for allies and answers in the ruins of a futuristic Chicago. Tris and Four (Theo James) are now fugitives on the run, hunted by Jeanine (Kate Winslet), the leader of the power-hungry Erudite elite. Racing against time, they must find out what Tris's family sacrificed their lives to protect, and why the Erudite leaders will do anything to stop them.
Haunted by her past choices but desperate to protect the ones she loves, Tris, with Four at her side, faces one impossible challenge after another as they unlock the truth about the past and ultimately the future of their world.
Others to round out the cast are Miles Teller as Peter, Ansel Elgort as Caleb, Tris's brother, Jai Courtney as Eric, Mekhi Phifer as Max, Naomi Watts as Evelyn, Ray Stevenson as Marcus, Octavia Spencer as Johanna, Zoe Kravitz as Christina, Tony Goldwyn as Andrew, Jonny Weston as Edgar, Daniel Dae Kim as Jack Kang, Ashley Judd as Natalie, Tris's mother and Keiynan Lonsdale as Uriah.
This was directed with the same feel as the first installment, "Divergent" which was directed by Neil Burger. Since Robert Scwentke ("Tattoo" '02, "The Family Jewels" '03, "Flightplan" '05, "The Time Traveler's Wife" '09, "RED" '10, "R.I.P.D." '13) directed this installment, the toughest thing he had to do was to keep with the same feel, intensity and pacing that its predecessor exuded, and he was able to execute that similar style of Burger's. This isn't always easy to do considering each director has their own artistic style. It was written by Brian Duffield, Akiva Goldsman and Mark Bomback based on the novel by Veronica Roth. I was certainly surprised by this particular plot or storyline in that it was more fresh and original than I ever expected. It flowed well from one scene to the next, and the character development, although wasn't Academy Award material, was solid and believable. And considering that these guys did not write "Divergent", all the more reason that it's amazing that this flowed as well as it did. It did have very few places of choppiness, but being a franchise, this truly continued well. And don't worry to all those Divergent series fans out there, because there will be another installment, "Allegiant: Part 1" directed by Schwentke as well in 2016.
If you like lots of action, adventure with a thrilling storyline all with nifty visual effects in a neat 3D format, you will be in franchise heaven. And if this fare is not your cup of tea, the action and visuals will certainly be enough to keep you awake so as to make up for the price of admission.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 119mins.
We've seen war films aplenty in the decades motion pictures have been invented, and we've also seen films about conflicts whether they be religious or property disputes. I could list them, but it would be a never ending one. However, when I caught wind of a conflict film that was not only gritty, but showed compassion on both sides of the enemy lines, I simply felt compelled. After viewing "'71", my premonitions were correct, because this film rocked!
A young British soldier, Gary Hook (Jack O'Connell) is accidentally abandoned by his unit led by Capt. Sandy Browning (Sean Harris) and Lt. Armitage (Sam Reid) following a terrifying out of control riot they did not see coming on the streets of Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1971. Unable to differentiate friend from foe, the raw recruit must survive the night virtually alone and find his way to safety through a disorienting, alien and deadly landscape. Increasingly wary of his own comrades, he does meet some who are willing to help him, such as Eamon, a medic (Richard Dormer), Brigid (Charlie Murphy) and a loyalist child (Corey McKinley), but soon he will come to realize there are those he must hide from as well, namely Quinn (Killian Scott) and Sean (Barry Keoghan).
Others to round out the cast are Paul Anderson as Sgt. Leslie Lewis, Adam Nagaitis as Jimmy, David Wilmot as Boyle, Martin McCann as Paul Haggerty, Babou Ceesay as Corporal, Sam Hazeldine as C.O. and Jack Lowden as Thommo.
Remarkably, this film was directed by a first time theatrical filmmaker, Yann Demange (TV and shorts). Where did this guy come from? Typically new directors are not seasoned enough to pull off as gritty, intense and compelling a story as this. Of course, O'Connell ("Unbroken" and "Starred Up") is an actor that has an amazingly bright future, but hats off to Demange, because he still is responsible to get this character to come across as lost and broken as he did. It was equally well written by a virtual newcomer, Gregory Burke ("Black Watch" (TV movie) '07, "One Night in Emergency" (TV movie) '10). This was incredibly well thought out in that it came across as a story that is based on a true story, but it wasn't, which is the mark of exemplary storytelling. This character, Hook, which the story centered around was virtually a stranger in a strange land even though he was still in his home country. He was willing to fight until the ravages of war really hit him between the eyes. After which he exuded all the emotions one could and would experience given the same situation. Then, who could he trust as well as who he could not? To say Hook was placed in a living hell would be an understatement.
This isn't a film for the mass audience appeal, however if one can handle the graphic and intense scenes, this is a film those individuals should see. This clearly does not glorify film, on the contrary, it shows us all the true ugliness of humankind that we constantly need reminding of.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: R 99mins.
Once upon a time, Hollywood produced yet another incarnation of a very old, classic, timeless fairy tale called "Cinderella". Fairy tales are certainly great child and family fare whereas many renditions of this story have been made: "Cinderella" '50, "Cinderella" '77, "A Cinderella Story" '04 to mention just a very few.
This story follows the fortunes and misfortunes of young Ella (Lily James) whose merchant father (Ben Chaplin) remarries following the tragic death of her mother (Hayley Atwell). Keen to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother, Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters, Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But when Ella's father suddenly and unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella since she used to work in the cinders, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother's dying words and to "have courage and be kind". She will not give in to despair nor despise those who abuse her. And then there is a dashing stranger, Kit (Richard Madden) she meets in woods. Unaware that he is actually a prince, not merely an employee at the palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. The prince sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella's hopes to encounter Kit once again. Her stepmother forbids her to attend, but in all good fairy tales, her fairy godmother (Helena Bonham Carter) appears and armed with a pumpkin, a few mice, a couple of lizards and a goose, changes Cinderella's life forever. You know the rest of the story.
Others to round out the cast are Nonso Anozie as Captain, Stellan Skarsgard as Grand Duke, Derek Jacobi as King, Rob Brydon as Master Phineus, Jana Perez as Princess Chelina of Zaragosa, Alex Macqueen as Royal Crier and Tom Edden as Lizard Footman.
This was staged and paced well by director Kenneth Branagh ("Henry V" '89, "Dead Again" '91, "Much Ado About Nothing" '93, "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein" '94, "Hamlet" '96, "As You Like It' '06, "The Magic Flute" '06, "Sleuth" '07, "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" '14) plus others. Branagh definitely was able to move his actors around the set seamlessly as though these actors were actually the characters they were playing, but look at this guy's resume! This is obviously not his first rodeo. It was whimsically written by Chris Weitz ("Antz" '98, "Nutty Professor II: The Klumps" 2000, "The Golden Compass" '07) based on a short story by Charles Perrault. As with others films, this takes a peek at how Ella went from having parents to living with her stepmother, how she met the prince, even how she acquired the name, Cinderella--the beginnings if you will. I think people have been intrigued of how favorite characters began, and how they developed. So when another incarnation of this favorite fairy tale came along, in order to put any new spin on the franchise, the beginnings of the story had to be a forgone conclusion. It was no academy award winning screenplay-- there were a few areas of choppiness, but all in all, it was a nice take on such an old 'tride and true' story that we've seen so many times. Even the visual effects predominantly designed by MPC (Moving Picture Company) were stunning and didn't have to compensate for a poor script--in fact they actually complimented the story.
Even though this is a very old story, told many times, this rendition actually gave a fresh new look for being such an old story repeatedly presented time and again, and this is a tough thing for any writer to pull off successfully.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: PG 112mins.
Have I mentioned before that I love comedies? So much of the time, comedies have become vehicles of vulgarity, silliness and stupidity. So why would I bother seeing the likes of "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel"? Because like its predecessor, this is a formidable, endearing film that has got to bring a smile on even the worst cynic's face. Comedies should not have to grab one by the juggler with expletives and toilet humor and force its audience to laugh, but rather cause the audience to laugh effortlessly.
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is the expansionist dream of Sonny Kapoor (Dev Patel) and it's making claims on his time than he has available, considering his imminent marriage to the love of his life, Sunaina (Tina Desai). Sonny has his eye on a promising property now that his first venture, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for the Elderly and Beautiful, has only a single remaining vacancy-- posing a rooming predicament for fresh arrivals Guy (Richard Gere) and Lavinia (Tasmin Greig). Evelyn and Douglas (Judi Dench and Bill Nighy) have now joined the Jaipur workforce, and are wondering where their regular dates for Chilla pancakes will lead, while Norman and Carol (Ronald Pickup and Diana Hardcastle) are negotiating the tricky waters of an exclusive relationship, as Madge (Celia Imrie) juggles two eligible and very wealthy suitors. Perhaps the only one who may know the answers is newly installed co-manager of the hotel, Muriel Donnelly (Maggie Smith), the keeper of everyone's secrets.
Others to round out the cast are David Strathairn as Ty Burley, an investor, Shazad Latif as Kushal, and Lillete Dubey as Mrs, Kapoor, Sonny's mother.
This was whimsically staged and paced well by director John Madden ("Ethan Frome" '93, "Golden Gate" '94, "Mrs. Brown" '97, "Shakespeare in Love" '98, "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" '01, "Proof" '05, "Killshot" '08, "The Debt" '10, "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" '11). By his very resume, this guy makes his direction look effortless, because his actors exude a very natural and real look. Of course, the actors in this film have proven their talent time and again, so I'm sure this aspect made his collaboration with his cast that much easier. It was written by Ol Parker based on a screen story by Parker and Madden. As there were many characters in this, several subplots ensued, and even though most of these different situations were eventually drawn together by films' end, there were some areas that could have been a bit more cohesive and not as choppy. Mind you, these areas didn't destroy the story, however there was so much going on, it caused one to be strained to 'connect the dots' in script writing. But who cares when you get to see these consummate veteran actors in the same film interacting together.
As one would assume, this wasn't quite as fresh as its predecessor, but then again, most sequels fall into this category. Suffice it to say, when you leave, you will certainly feel a little bit better when you leave than you did when entering the multiplex.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG 122mins.
Back in the day, I thought the genre of sci-fi was only comprised of space travel with aliens as the bad guys and the astronauts as the good guys, but things have definitely changed, albeit slow, but changed. A sci-fi movie can be placed right here on earth, even in the present if it's written as such. One case in point is that of "Chappie". It takes place in practically present ,if not a year or two in the future.
In the near future, crime is patrolled by an oppressive roboticized police force compliments of Tetravaal Robotics. But now, the people are fighting back. When one of the robotics designers, Deon Wilson (Dev Patel) steals one of the police droids, Chappie (Sharlto Copley), and gives it new programming, he becomes the first robot with the ability to think and feel for himself-- a consciousness if you will. As another designer at Tetravaal, Vincent Moore (Hugh Jackman) starts to see Chappie as a danger to mankind and order, he along with his boss, Michelle Bradley (Sigourney Weaver) and other forces will stop at nothing to maintain the status quo and ensure that Chappie is the last of his kind.
Others to round out the cast are Ninja as Ninja, Yo-Landi Visser as Yolandi, Jose Pablo Cantillo as Yankie (Amerika), Brandon Auret as Hippo, and Johnny Selema as Pitbull.
This was crafted with intense drama as well with poignant comedic moments by Neill Blomkamp ("District 9" '09, "Elysium" '13). With the gang that Chappie was getting involved with showing intensity to showing Chappie learning how to read or painting which was touching was so opposite, however was fitting of this character. Blomkamp has an incredibileness to show touching and moving moments in his films no matter how intense or gritty they are. This was written by Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell. If Blomkamp didn't shine as a director (which he does), he has a distinct style of writing one does not see in most any high-intense sci-fi film, which is coupling intense grit and touching moments where not only do they connect, but makes so much sense as far as the storyline is concerned. And, like other films of his, has an ending you won't expect until the that time. This will blow your mine. With the exception of a few choppy areas where you're wondering what's happening to a strategic character while you're watching a particular scene is a bit perplexing, but all in all this is intriguing.
Besides the storyline of this, it also opens up the whole idea of a robot with consciousness which could be another film all by itself. This was as much about that as allowing politics to get in the way which you'll see in the film. Great visuals for a good look on the large screen make this even better than one might give it credit for.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: R 120mins.
Films about con jobs or sting operations have graced the movie screens for years which many twists and turns to keep forever taking us by surprise. Films from "The Thomas Crown Affair" '68 to "The Sting" '73 to "The Italian Job" (both versions) to "American Hustle" '13, and many more in between, give us that clever and sneaky way about how these characters do what they do. So, when "Focus" came along, it was just fitting see this film so as to see how these characters work to pull off the ultimate sting.
Nicky Spurgeon (Will Smith) is an extremely accomplished con man who has studied the science of human nature his whole life, takes an amateur con artist, Jess (Margot Robbie) under his wing. Soon Nicky and Jess become romantically involved, and with Nicky's profession of being a liar and a cheater for a living, he realizes that deception and love are things that don't go together. So, at the end of a con job at the Super Bowl in New Orleans, Nicky gives Jess her share of the take and he walks. They split, only to see each other three years later in Buenos Aries. At this point Nicky enters a deal with Garriga (Rodrigo Santoro), a wealthy playboy who has a software program that will help his Formula 1 team triumph. Owens (Gerald McRaney), head of security for Garriga, has no trust toward Nicky especially when Nicky agrees to help Garriga sell a fake version of the program to his competitors. But as the plan goes into motion, he discovers that Jess and Garriga are a couple. Old feelings complicate the new arrangement...and then things get really messy.
Others to round out the cast are Adrian Martinez as Farhad, B.D. Wong as Liyuan, Brennan Brown as Horst, assistant of Nicky's, Robert Taylor as McEwen, Dotan Bonen as Gordon, Griff Furst as Gareth and Stephanie Honore as Janice.
This was directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa ("I Love You Phillip Morris" '09, "Crazy, Stupid, Love." '11). One thing I can say for these guys is that when they direct their actors, they don't go for the juggler in that the comedy isn't slap-stick, it is more dialogue oriented which I personally prefer, because the humor doesn't feel forced and desperate. The actors come across as real people in comedic, almost difficult situations. It was also written by Ficarra and Requa ("Cats & Dogs" '01, "Bad Santa" '03, "Bad News Bears" '05, "I Love You Phillip Morris" '09, "Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore" (Characters) '10). This was not too unfamiliar in that it had all the typical ingredients that one would find in a con-artist premised film. There were game playing not only between opposing parties, but between those on the same side, there were twists and turns with a hefty turn nearing the end. Suffice it to say there was not much new under the sun, but even with the similarities, after the first half of the film, the pace did pick up and it did give you a run for your money. There was even the theme song to "The Thomas Crown Affair", "The Windmills of Your Mind" as part of the end credits as sort of a homage since "Focus" and "The Thomas Crown Affair" were about the ultimate con artists.
If you can be patient with this film, it does pick up the pace about half way through. Surely they needed to establish the story and character development, but it simply took a while for it to occur. Smith was certainly a good choice for Nicky and it had a believable cast, but the writing could've been a bit tighter.
Out of 4 Stars: 2.5 Rated: R 104mins.
We've all seen many films that have an assassination plot laced with politics galore that probably span the globe as far as different locales are concerned. Anywhere from "The Assassination of Richard Nixon" to "Lincoln" to "The Day of the Jackal", Hollywood is fraught with films like these. Is it no wonder that people have become intrigued with the sniper/ assassination concept since so many have been produced, that we now have another in the offing called "The Gunman"?
