Very good noire for the '90's...

Rating: Null/10 (11 March 2001)

I remember when I saw Siskel and Ebert review this, they gushed on and on about how great it was, and how unusual it was to find two new faces-Crowe and Pearce-that deliver the goods as well's they do here. I have to agree. Having seen it twice, I'm always struck by how good Crowe is-he's halfways between Bronson and Mitchum, able to propel a flick forward through charisma, guts and charisma. Pearce gives a good performance in the straight-laced Tom Cruise role(think of the Firm, for ex.), and I think is easily Crowe's equal. He hasn't done as much high profile stuff since-but with 'Count of Monte Cristo' and 'Time Machine' coming up, maybe that will change.
You can't fault the cast or acting here-David Straithairn as Hugh Hefner(more or less-does he remind anyone else of Bill Bixby? does me), Basinger and Stretch Armstrong esp. At times it's hard to follow some of the plot-twists-esp. connecting the movements of the black suspects to everything else-but it does fit if you just let the film happen. I did of course like Kevin Spacey's unusual casting as a macho, on the take cop/Dragnet consultant-he almost pulls it off too! He of course is incapable of a bad performance.
Certainly the final shootout is a little Die-Hardish for a pic that is trying to remain 'real', but I liked it anyways. I wonder how much of this is based on actual historical events too.
As for Basinger's Oscar, I don't see it-sure she was fine here, but-it's kinda like Sharon Stone's nomination for Casino. Soap opera moments and decent performing does not greatness make. Oh well.
I donno how to rate this vs. Titanic, save that Big Sinking Boat does stick in the memory somewhat more, while the acting in LA Confidential is a cut above. I don't blame them for giving Big Sinking Boat the prize.
***1/2 outta ****, def. one of the better ones of the last decade.