What keep this movie from being something special: the Hollywood plot line

Rating: 7/10 (27 March 2005)

Despite all of the fine acting, the wonderful cinematography, the special lighting effects, etc. this film does not rise to greatness. And once again it's because it cannot bring itself to go beyond standard Hollywood plot lines. The potential was there: when the LA cop played by Mark Ruffalo is killed, for a moment we're left wondering if "Max" will be able to prove himself innocent of all the murders. Have no fear, he rescues the DA qua love interest (she can now testify that Max is not the killer) and (predictably) kills the professional killer in a shootout despite his amateur status. Here's an alternative, "Improved Ending" (keeping with the spirit of film noir): female DA is killed, Vincent is killed or disappears such that he cannot be linked to the murders, Max is arrested by the clueless FBI and as he's taken into custody you get a dissolve to the postcard and his "dream" island. Finis.