Interesting Story, editing, but sometimes poor dialogue, music

Rating: 7/10 (27 August 2006)

Overall I enjoyed this film for #1 especially not indulging in ultra-violence as well as it's charades and antics reminiscent of The Thomas Crown Affair a it. It's strengths far outweigh the few problems that I felt were minor - one of which was some of the dialogue. For instance some of the racial banter and pretentious movie homages ("ever seen Dog-Day-Afternoons") throw-ins were out of place. Then I thought Jodie Foster looked completely out of her element in trying to portray immoral uppity behaivor. She looked sort of uncomfortable. Also the music sometimes didn't mesh well in some scenes. However, thanks to Clive Owen and Christopher Plummer for anchoring; so the movie kept the interest level up. Denzel Washington was a little bit toned done - but still entertaining. The editing was good, and directors know to leave narration to the English....always the safe and good bet - well done by Owen. I'm a pretty big fan of narration kept concise. This was a good movie, not quite worth the buy imo, but the rental for sure.