Great film somewhat sullied by last minute overkill

Rating: 9/10 (15 June 2005)

Great dark film wonderfully acted by a great cast {except for the wooden performance of Bruce's childhood sweetheart turned altruistic lawyer). The makers did a great job of developing the characters, mixing in just the right amount of humor and self deprecation. The real Liam Neeson showed up for this film. Strange to see Gary Oldman play a regular good guy. Still a challenge to pick up all of Michael Caine's dialogue given his cockney accent. The final scene was ineffective given Katie Homes wooden performance. And what was with Caine dressed in an overcoat with scarf with Homes in a silk shirt? I was thinking this was the best movie of the year until the makers just could not restrain themselves and spent $40 million "wowing" us with toys and crashing and smashing things in the last 15 minutes. Five minutes would have been plenty. Took away from what was a real "film" and made it into a great summer blockbuster. Still a must see.