Good performances, unsuccessful movie

Rating: Null/10 (28 April 2002)

This movie proves that outstanding performances can't save a bad movie Denzel Washington may not have deserved the Oscar for this performance, but he definitely deserved the nomination--he's excellent. As is Ethan Hawke, and in fact virtually every other actor from top name to extra. Unfortunately, spoiler here, the basic story line is silly. Especially the ending with the Russian mob--come on, hasn't the Russian mob been done to death? And the overwrought ending is a basic cop out (so to speak), they don't seem like they could figure out a decent ending so just tacked on a nice execution scene. It's easy to criticize bad writing, but here it's even easier since it's so evidently poor. These guys get paid big bucks, they should at least put out some effort, especially when they've got as much talent as they do here.
So disappointing, still if you can sit back and enjoy the Hawke/Washington/Glenn etc. acting it takes the edge off the silly story line.