My Name Is Modesty
My Name Is Modestyis a sleek but hardy entertainment based on cartoonist Peter O'Donnell's story about an orphaned girl who survives wars, deserts, and sundry hardships to become the tough manager of a Tangiers casino. Alexandra Staden (Vanity Fair) is the second actress to play Modesty Blaise in a feature film (Monica Vitti took the role in1966), and her beautiful cool and enigmatic poise are perfect for the mysterious yet likeable heroine.My Name Is Modestycleverly introduces Modesty's background and wiles in a thriller set during an armed takeover of the casino. Deflecting demands by a terrorist leader (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) while also creatively keeping hostages alive, Modesty agrees to a game of roulette with the strongman. She plays for lives; he plays to hear chapters from her unknown life, reluctantly told. Directed by actor-director Scott Spiegel and presented by Quentin Tarantino (among the DVD's special features is a conversation between the two), the film is a noble, engaging genre piece.--Tom Keogh