(some spoilers) Shade is ultimately one of those "who's playing who" type movies in the same vain as 'Confidence' (2003), 'The Score' (2001) and many others- except this film involves card playing and poker. Part poker film, part con-artist film, and 'Shade' attempts to throw in a bunch of big twists. Sometimes though, the viewer can be amazed how anyone can logically see the bigger picture so early in the game, but hey- 'Shade' is meant to be a relatively light movie.
Gabriel Bryne plays Charlie Miller, a not-so-good card player but an excellent conman. He and his girlfriend, Tiffany (Thandie Newton), recruit a card mechanic in Vernon (Stuart Townsend), who is quick with his hands, and knows every trick in the book. They go after a big game hustler by the name of The Dean (Sylvester Stallone), who has never been outwitted, but to get there they must dodge vengeful gangsters, and make sure their plan is rock solid.
'Shade' is not a bad film, and has a few decent moments. Particularly one involving Jamie Foxx, as he has an intense poker game that may or may not backfire. I was pretty uncomfortable with one scene involving Tiffany tricking some chump into thinking he was getting some BDSM play, but instead leaving him for forced organ donation. I found that scene quite disturbing, rather than amusing. Though, if the filmmakers wanted to get over that Tiffany is a cold-hearted b***h--- it worked! Though, I think the scene was out of place in the context of the rest of the movie, and one would hope organ stealing isn't a popular way for con artists to get money! Yikes! Overall, 'Shade' is worth a look, and even Stallone is tolerable in this movie, partly because he's not in it that much! If you like movies about conning people, marks, poker games, and some twists--- then check this one out. Not as good as others in the same genre, but well made enough, and relatively fun to watch.
***½ out of *****!
Gabriel Bryne plays Charlie Miller, a not-so-good card player but an excellent conman. He and his girlfriend, Tiffany (Thandie Newton), recruit a card mechanic in Vernon (Stuart Townsend), who is quick with his hands, and knows every trick in the book. They go after a big game hustler by the name of The Dean (Sylvester Stallone), who has never been outwitted, but to get there they must dodge vengeful gangsters, and make sure their plan is rock solid.
'Shade' is not a bad film, and has a few decent moments. Particularly one involving Jamie Foxx, as he has an intense poker game that may or may not backfire. I was pretty uncomfortable with one scene involving Tiffany tricking some chump into thinking he was getting some BDSM play, but instead leaving him for forced organ donation. I found that scene quite disturbing, rather than amusing. Though, if the filmmakers wanted to get over that Tiffany is a cold-hearted b***h--- it worked! Though, I think the scene was out of place in the context of the rest of the movie, and one would hope organ stealing isn't a popular way for con artists to get money! Yikes! Overall, 'Shade' is worth a look, and even Stallone is tolerable in this movie, partly because he's not in it that much! If you like movies about conning people, marks, poker games, and some twists--- then check this one out. Not as good as others in the same genre, but well made enough, and relatively fun to watch.
***½ out of *****!