The #1 cure for insomnia of the summer

Rating: 4/10 (29 May 2002)

I cant wait for the DVD of this movie. When I find that I cannot stand a movie that others RAVE about, watching the DVD and listening to the commentary sometimes helps. This one needs it.
Having not seen the original version, I may have had undue expectations. I expected a film featuring Al Pacino as a weary cop being stretched beyond his mental and physical limits by Robin Williams' cunning, manipulative and murderous villain, whose psychological game forces Pacino to pursue his quarry without the benefit of rest.
OOPS. My bad. The film proves to be far more simple than that.
The Alaskan backdrop is the most compelling and stunning aspect of this film, and is truly great cinematography. Unfortunately, it does not carry a film who's pacing never builds and never peaks. With no opening hook, no mystery to solve and no tension of any kind, Insomnia plods along, staggering through a dull haze reminiscent of genuine lack-of-sleep.
While Pacino, Williams and Hillary Swank work with the material they are provided, none of the characters are given enough to pull you in. Oh if they had more to work with... Pacino's descent could have been fascinating, Williams could have been truly chilling, and Swank could have been, well... probably the same.
In the end, Insomnia should be taken with a glass of water, 30 minutes before bedtime. Don't drive and don't operate any heavy machinery.
See you in the morning.