It was connections and luck that got this movie as far as it has.

Rating: Null/10 (25 August 1999)

All a Los Angels video store clerk had to do was show a script to an acting teacher. Lucky for him, this teacher happened to be the wife of Harvey Kietel, and since he's notorious for his depictions of mobs and the underbelly, Harv just happened to like it and decided to contribute funding it into a feature length film. Unfortunately for the movie, it's not too original and at times non-linear. It's been said that it took elements from Hong Kong director Ringo Lam's "City on Fire" and redefined film noir. Other way around, it was a rip-off to "City on Fire," and an insult to film noir. Triteness is common in the world of Hollywood. I'm glad James Woods turned away from it.
Added on to the stolen plot of the 1987 movie was gratuitous uses of the "N" word, 70s music/tends and anal sex. If this were done in one movie, it would be an unusual touch. If it's referenced in all of the director's movies, it's a lack of an imagination. And that is indeed the case if you take a look at Quentie's filmography.
A movie that leaves you feeling something for the characters, even if they're low life scum, is crucial for an ending. After bullets went flying before the fade-out, I came away feeling nothing at all.
Maybe that's just me; maybe it's just an irony that mediocrity outnumbers the innovative worthwhile in the entertainment industry.