This Review Reveals Minor Details About the Plot.
Short title, long movie
Plot Overview
A daring daytime heist leaves more
dead bodies than criminal mastermind Neil McCauley (Robert De
Niro) had counted on. LAPD Lt. Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino) doubles down
on his relentless pursuit of the bad guys. A fortuitous clue
dropped at the scene of the crime and a lucky break from the brother of a
snitch put the two crews on a collision course with each other.
Problems in everyone's domestic sphere ratchet up the drama. It isn't
resolved quickly but when it is, it'll happen decisively.
Ideology
A colored ex-con Donald Breedan (Dennis Haysbert) has been
referred to work for a greasy spoon as a fry cook. The boss demands
he do scut work as well, and that he give him 25% of his take-home pay. The
guy is verbally abusive but he has him over a barrel, he can out him with
lies at any time to his parole officer. Does he want the job?
By and by, McCauley eating there, about to pull a big heist but lacking a driver, recognizes Breedan from the joint and offers him the position. Will he walk out on his base employment that nevertheless pays the bills to take up the quick riches offer? (Prov. 12:11) “He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.”
(Prov. 12:12) “The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.” New on board with the criminals for a job is Waingro (Kevin Gage) newly released from jail. He's hoping to become part of their tight network. The good guy Vincent covers for the absent father of his 15-year-old stepdaughter Lauren (Natalie Portman) and becomes a real father figure to her.
(Prov. 12:13) “The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.” McCauley was home free until he left his main squeeze Eady (Amy Brenneman) in the lurch, him remembering, “Something I gotta take care of.” Lt. Hanna was about to go down for having the light in his eyes during a shootout until he saw his opponent's shadow.
(Prov. 12:14) “A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.” Hanna invited McCauley for a pow wow to go over the score, with mutual respect, but said when it came right down to it, he would do his job.
(Prov. 12:15) “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” The SWAT team was itching to make a bust for B&E, but Hanna who had the tactical oversight pleads for them to stand down, wanting something bigger to bust them on.
(Prov. 12:16) “A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.” Neil's confederate Chris Shiherlis (Val Kilmer) blew his top at his wife Charlene (Ashley Judd) when she complained about all his gambling debt. Vincent handled the matter diplomatically when he discovered his wife Justine (Diane Verona) cheating on him with a chump Ralph (Xander Berkeley.)
(Prov. 12:17) “He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.” Hanna was honest. When marrying his wife he told her she'd have to share him with his job. McCauley deceived his girlfriend telling her he was a salesman.
(Prov. 12:18) “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.” Lauren spoke daggers at her mom over something quite trivial, but her mom soothed the situation with her words.
(Prov. 12:19) “The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.” The criminal liars here seemed to meet untimely ends, but the honest cops pulled through.
Production Values
“” (1995) was written and directed by Michael Mann. It stars Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, Tom Sizemore, Diane Venora, Ashley Judd, Amy Brennerman and Danny Trejo. Robert De Niro and Al Pacino did a great collaboration in this action flick. The supporting cast was excellent.
MPAA rated it R for violence and language. It was filmed in Los Angeles, California, USA. The soundtrack was great and the camera-work interesting, in a protracted movie. It abounded in closeups for some reason.
Review Conclusion w/ Christian Recommendation
This action movie sustained itself well for the time (almost 3 hours) that could have accommodated a double feature. One had to be adept at juggling the pieces in his mind, because it bounced around a lot. The various subplots all meshed pretty well, though. It delivers the goods.
Movie Ratings
Action factor: Edge of your seat action. Suitability For Children: Not Suitable for Children of Any Age. Special effects: Well done special effects. Video Occasion: Fit For a Friday Evening. Suspense: Keeps you on the edge of your seat. Overall movie rating: Four stars out of five.
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