Overrated but entertaining

Rating: 7/10 (4 July 2003)

I remember seeing this on its initial release and, while realizing that the entire movie was a piece of fiction, enjoying the film for its entertainment value. Every time I see it, I can still see why. However, I find it hard to understand how this film could be rated as one of the top 250 films of all time, seeing how 'Untouchables' has an insurmountable flaw at its center: Kevin Costner.
There are certain roles that Costner can play, mostly because they seem tailored for his personality. Roles like the one in Tin Cup, or Field of Dreams, or even No Way Out (a better film than this one) match up better. His Elliot Ness is treacly and unengaging, and Patricia Clarkson's June Cleaver performance doesn't help at all. Costner's entire repertoire consists of furrowing his brow; the more intense the scene, the further it is furrowed, but nowhere does he ever project any true emotion.

Even more unfortunately, Costner is paired off between two of the best actors of the time, Robert DeNiro and Sean Connery. Connery gives the performance of his life here, winning a well-deserved Oscar, and DeNiro is simply DeNiro. Even Charles Martin Smith gives a more energetic performance than Costner.
Brian DePalma outdoes himself, especially in the baby-carriage scene, but also in the overall lush look of the film. That and the brilliant performances by DeNiro and Connery make this an entertaining film, but not a great one.