Tommy Guns? They're Just Big Flamers!

Rating: 4/10 (4 July 2009)

It's a pity these three great actors were squandered on such an inferior script and so undervalued by this B- director. Apart from the fabulous sound design and the blazing tommy guns—which shoot flames in 2 directions—the film is an overproduced and under-directed snooze. Remember the prissy and purple script for Untouchables? This one is not that precious, but the performances are. It is not the fault of the actors, who have only trite or dim dialog to work with. I think they knew it was bad as they filmed it. You almost sense them looking at their reflections in the camera and making corrections to exquisite effect. Why not? Might as well be part of an artifact that looks great if it's not going to break new ground. The make-up enhances the preciosity. Everyone looks ridiculously pancaked. Producers take note: never let the make- up distract from the drama, especially one that's already so unconvincing. I had expected a thrilling script that might lay bare the world of these dazzling '30s sociopaths, born with extra Y chromosomes. Instead, I got a parade of implausibly clad Ralph Lauren mamma's boys.