Pretentious indulgence, but it looks good

Rating: Null/10 (4 August 2002)

This movie falls firmly in the "gritty urban pretentious self-important pseudopsychologically deep character study" genre. Ever since "The Godfather" (a truly classic, beautiful film) we've been subjected to more of these "Public Enemy" wannabes than any nation of self-respecting movie buffs should have to endure. Hi, I'm Al Pacino. In this movie I dare to play a role unlike any of my others--here I'm an angry Italian cop who's either icy cold or shouting at someone. Hi, I'm Robert De Niro. In this movie I dare to play a role unlike any of my others--here I'm a marginally articulate ridiculously tough Irish crook who'll kill you dead if you so much as look at me @!#%ing crosseyed. Yawn.
It is nicely photographed and tightly edited, though, and I must admit that Michael Mann maintains the dramatic tension like the pro he is. Watchable if you've got the free time, especially if you enjoy cinematic shootouts. Just don't get fooled into thinking it's as deep as it pretends to be.