Classic

Rating: Null/10 (29 May 2004)

This is one of my favourite Al Pacino movies of all time! On first viewing, I didn't think it was particularly amazing, but I've re-watched the film several times now, and I'm always just stunned by the level of detail in the movie, and impressed as to how Michael Mann tries to make the shoot-out scenes as realistic as possible. That bank heist is really quite brutal, despite the fact that it may not be as 'glamourous' as action scenes from other run-of-the-mill movies. The military-style truck-robbery as the first action set piece in the movie is meticulously well thought-out.
Another one of my favourite things about this movie is the atmosphere it creates in LA - the night time scenes where De Niro's house is (lucky git!) are absolutely gorgeous (the backdrop with the myriad of lights/the 'Fiji island algae bit'...wow). A lot of the film takes place at night, (no coincidence?!), but it really gives the film a cool, and sexy feel, especially when coupled with the electro-synthesiser background music. I've never been to LA before, but the backgrounds in this movie would be a good reason for me to go!
Al Pacino is as you would expect gives the film a real kick, with his pezaz and fiery demeanor. De Niro is more reserved, and icy-cool, in perfect contrast. The scene in the cafe, yes, is one to remember, but the other actors also put in a performance I think - in particular, Mykelti Williamson as Lt Drucker and Ashely Judd as Val Kilmer's wife.
All in all, a very immersive, atmospheric film, and of course worth watching because of Pacino and De Niro.