Form over substance

Rating: 6/10 (18 January 2002)

This is perhaps one of the most unsatisfying films I can remember seeing in a long time. Given the talent on show, both behind and in front of the camera, this film could have been a classic. Instead it's a lightweight crime caper that trades solely on our affection for the (many) headline stars on show.
The saddest indictment of the film is that my abiding memory of it will be Don Cheadle's hopeless cockneyish English accent - why not just get an Englishman to play the role and at least try to do it properly?
Failings aside, there are some plus points. Clooney and Pitt are both excellent, the swift pace means there's no time to dwell on how the lack of depth to both the plot and the characters and the script is adequate. Always a pleasure to watch Andy Garcia, although he is employed here merely as a stereotype 'boss' character.
Disappointing, given what might have been (6/10).