One of the best-made films in quite a while

Rating: 10/10 (20 September 1999)

This is without a doubt one of my favorite movies. I've seen it a number of times, and it gets better every time, as you see new things that tip you off to the final clue. If you've never seen it, don't let anyone tell you what happens, because this is one of the best endings you will ever see.
I cannot think of anything remotely lacking in this movie. The acting is incredible. Kevin Spacey gives an incredible performance as the quasi-lead (the story is told from his perpsective, but he won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar), and the ensemble cast is great. Gabriel Byrne pulls off the dignified, gentleman robber well. Stephen Baldwin is in his element, the best he's ever been, as a raging phsyco (makes you think, huh?). Kevin Pollak is outstanding as the cool guy, and Benicio Del Toro fits in right as a sort of Jekyll to Baldwin's Hyde.
The supporting cast is also excellent, with a lot of character actors you'll remember from other movies turning in performances of a life team. The plot is second to none. It goes slow enough to let you think you've got it figured out, with enough action to keep you interested, then simply pulls the rug out from under you with a spectacular ending.
The last five minutes of this movie are among the best in American cinema. I have yet to meet anyone who has seen this movie and can tell me it is not the best ending they have ever seen. It really pulls the movie together, and just makes you sit up and think. You will not forget the ending to this movie for a long, long time.