A masterpiece?

Rating: 6/10 (8 September 2002)

The narrative of mental and physical duel between Pacino and De Niro is expanded to include needless subplot of other robbers' private lives. It becomes more and more boring except that memorable shootout in the street after bank robbery.
Pacino spends the whole picture chewing gums and shouting at everyone in sight; Kilmer is as stiff as usual. Diane Venora, as Pacino's wife, always speaks in a low tone while Pacino's voice over the top. It's irritating to watch these two actors in conversation, because the viewer has to adjust the sound volume continuously.
On his way to the airport, De Niro suddenly drives off the highway and gets to the hospital to eliminate a traitor who worked for him. After he finishes the job unconvincingly, Pacino finds him on the street and chases after him. It's absolutely ridiculous that they can run from the hospital to the airport without cars. More silliness in the final showdown: De Niro is stupid enough to jump out of his hiding spot to be shot by Pacino. I wouldn't say the film is a masterpiece.