Sean Penn and Gary Oldman normally chew up the scenery but both give mediocre performances in this turkey. There are so many things wrong -- weak script, bad directing, lousy editing, etc -- that one is hard-pressed to find any redeeming value or even a shred of interest in characters, plot or the silly shootout denouement.
As I watched, I was reminded of The Departed -- another Irish mob flick by Scorcese that had its moments but also had unintentional laughs at the wrong places. Won't go there, except that one at least deserve 5 or 6 stars.
First off, Oldman, who plays psychos better than most, is way over the top in this flick. His burst of anger at being told that his brother might have capped Stevie tested credibility, to say the least. Ed Harris, the indecisive, wimpy mob boss, commanded no respect and couldn't keep his boys in line, including Oldman who basically gave him the finger for most of the movie. The scene in the church was ridiculous as well. Harris vs. the Italian boss was a mismatch and it was actually funny to see Ed squirm while the gang argued about whether to do a multi-whacking.
Robin Wright as the love interest was wasted. Penn looked lost and the rest of the cast was uninspiring. And when he showed his badge to Ed Harris, you'd think he'd get clipped right there and then, but no -- wait -- gotta build tension for the big stupid finish.
As for the final shootout, it reminded me of Charlie Bronson, who was able to dodge bullets left and right in the Death Wish sequels simply by crouching to one knee. Only in this case, Penn hardly moves except for a few maneuvers a la our old friend Charlie. Harris empties his cannon, and misses him by a mile, though he manages to wing him while Sean gets off several shots that hit their marks, dropping wise guys left and right. Fadeout with a bleeding Penn staring into the lens...
And everyone wonders why box office receipts are down and modern movies can't hold a candle to the great flicks of the past.
As I watched, I was reminded of The Departed -- another Irish mob flick by Scorcese that had its moments but also had unintentional laughs at the wrong places. Won't go there, except that one at least deserve 5 or 6 stars.
First off, Oldman, who plays psychos better than most, is way over the top in this flick. His burst of anger at being told that his brother might have capped Stevie tested credibility, to say the least. Ed Harris, the indecisive, wimpy mob boss, commanded no respect and couldn't keep his boys in line, including Oldman who basically gave him the finger for most of the movie. The scene in the church was ridiculous as well. Harris vs. the Italian boss was a mismatch and it was actually funny to see Ed squirm while the gang argued about whether to do a multi-whacking.
Robin Wright as the love interest was wasted. Penn looked lost and the rest of the cast was uninspiring. And when he showed his badge to Ed Harris, you'd think he'd get clipped right there and then, but no -- wait -- gotta build tension for the big stupid finish.
As for the final shootout, it reminded me of Charlie Bronson, who was able to dodge bullets left and right in the Death Wish sequels simply by crouching to one knee. Only in this case, Penn hardly moves except for a few maneuvers a la our old friend Charlie. Harris empties his cannon, and misses him by a mile, though he manages to wing him while Sean gets off several shots that hit their marks, dropping wise guys left and right. Fadeout with a bleeding Penn staring into the lens...
And everyone wonders why box office receipts are down and modern movies can't hold a candle to the great flicks of the past.