Just above average

Rating: 6/10 (26 February 2006)

With a good cast, a stylish looking trailer and with an interesting plot looking like it was in store, this film seemed like it was going to raise some eyebrows, unfortunately it didn't. The narrative is actually rather weak, despite the interesting twist at the end, it revolves around the case of mistaken identity for far too long early on to want to warrant multiple viewings; it was very frustrating to see the plot seem to just stick where it was. The editing added to this frustration as the quick cuts and sharp one-liners seemed to be, in a strange way, sarcastic to the viewer.
The acting was sharp and spot on from the two crime bosses Freeman and Kingsley and Tucci's policeman character added to the menace the antagonists carry with them through out this film. Bruce Willis is, as usual, on top form this time as an emotionless and professional killer. One problem with this film is that it seems to want to be numerous other ones already made. Most noticeably, it has the witty sharpness twinned with a simple but effective crime element as seen in 'Snatch' and the technique of making one character looking like the victim the whole time before flipping it on its head just like in 'The Usual Suspects'. These aspects aren't badly done, they just seem 'familiar' and it's truly frustrating.
I really tried to like this film as it falls into my favourite film genre but on the whole, it was just stumbling over its self at various points and doing the build up to the twisted climax no favours at all. The film is by no means bad but it is far from good with numerous flaws in the way it hangs about meaninglessly early on and draws out the whole thing in a slow manner. The one-liners get tiresome and it is relatively action starved on the whole. I'd recommend it, but only just. Go to see it for the dizzy array of stars on show and if you're feeling like seeing a crime film which will by no means leave you gasping for breath, but will leave you relatively well satisfied at the same time.