mediocre writing and uninspiring ending

Rating: 6/10 (22 September 2005)

The Dialogue in many places is annoyingly unimaginative. The pacing is uneven, and the story seems at times too big for the medium. Some creative technical work is eclipsed by melodramatic content, and sophomoric shots i.e. a very dramatic and creative landing of a cargo plane landing on a highway stops only inches from a pre toddler aged child who is sitting there oblivious to the massive machine as it approaches her. Obviously the plane is superimposed onto the image of the child- there is a disconnect between the two activities. But, the shot is so belabored and excessive that it seems to mock suspense rather than heighten the reality and the emotion of the moment.
Although there is quality acting in this film, Hawke gives the best performance, a supremely deft performance that skillfully intertwine subtlety, intensity and passion, the actors too often take a backseat to the cumbersomely managed exposition.
The story is told through the eyes of an international weapons dealer played by Nicholas Caige, whose distorted sense of morality warps the perspective of the focus of the movie. Since this is a vehicle for Cage, the motivations and struggles of the other characters are subverted to the telling of his character's story. And, at the end when the result is to see the weapons dealer prevail and hail the greatness of the doctrine of resignation in the face of seemingly overwhelming immorality and destruction, there is no counter balancing message of hope and instead reinforces a message of futility.
A generally very well shot movie with very good actors was unfortunately undermined by unimaginative direction and an uninspiring script. I give 2 1/2 stars.