Extremely Well Crafted

Rating: 9/10 (10 April 2000)

First, I must be honest. I have seen an edited version of the movie (am waiting to see it uncut), so perhaps I wasn't distracted by any "excessive" nudity or gore....
This is one of Pacino's best performances. The nuances of expression and voice inflection he uses to create this attractive/repulsive diabolical character show clearly that he is at the top of his craft. Keanu Reeves is also very good, and the majority of the performances seem to fit the bill nicely.
What makes the movie stand out is the focus on TEMPTATION rather than total evil. John Milton (Pacino's character ....hmmmm..."Paradise Lost"...get it?) presents a series of temptations any of us might fall for, before recognizing the evil behind the promises. The writing includes many intricately developed pokes at the standard "Goodness of God, Evil of the Devil" arguments we all know.
The only weakness in the film, that I could see, lies in its ending....or does it? After watching the turns and twists of the plot, one is left with a bit of a "what really happened" at the end....and an understanding that temptation takes many paths.
I gave it a 9, and would highly recommend it.