His job, says Willie, is simple. Unfortunately, it really isn't that simple. All too quickly, a seemingly routine job goes bad and Leo becomes a fugitive, pursued by the cops and, more dangerously, by his own family. But the movie lacks punch. Initially, we feel as if we, like Leo, are caught in a deceptive calm before the storm.
Trouble is, there is no storm.
Not dramatically at least. As for the heavyweight cast, both Dunaway and Burstyn flail away in roles too small to contain their talent. Caan fares a bit better, showing the ruthless and the tender sides of Frank. A quiet scene with Theron is one of the best in the film. But the picture's real weakness is the central relationship.