Has good and bad points ...

Rating: Null/10 (7 April 2008)

I didn't read the book so I'm just reacting to the movie as I saw it. The beginning of the movie was pretty good, but as it wore on, the novelty of the interesting characters gave way to a story that wasn't quite as engaging.
The movie is about a 27 year old wealthy investment banker. His life seems built on life's excesses and peer status - a typical upscale Manhattan yuppie in the 1980s. But he anything but typical: we learn he has a very dark side ... as a sadistic killer.
What was really fascinating to watch was his (and his friends') petty "yuppie" mannerisms and lifestyle. Their superficiality was very well done. A scene involving "who has the better business card" was amazing to watch.
However, the movie came up a little short in the second half. It is focused on his dark side. It was presented so as to be abrupt, sadistic, and shocking. However, it didn't quite come off as intense as intended. Maybe in 2000 it may have been more effective, but it wasn't too surprising to see a person with a normal side coexisting with a secret killer/crazy side.
It seems that this movie appeals to people who have read the book - so if that's you, you'll probably want to see this. For everyone else, it's not really worth the 100+ minute investment.