This was a pretty interesting film. I'm pretty good at seeing the plot twist coming, but this one completely took me by surprise. It's very clever how everything in the ledger is balanced out in the end.
But I have to say the movie isn't as good as the story. It's hard to put my finger on because I liked it, but let's just say that it lacks sparkle, pizzazz, whatever the word is. The acting and direction are all good, but it just lacks that certain something that makes other con game movies like "The Sting" or "The Grifters" great.
Edward Burns is good as the central character, Jake, but he's not particularly likable in the role. Smooth, yes. But appealing? No.
Dustin Hoffman has a role as the gangster they accidentally steal from and have to pay back, but he really isn't in the film very much and he plays his character as sort of an oddball. Andy Garcia also has an important part as a federal agent hot on Jake's trail, but he also doesn't have much to do and also plays the part a bit quirky.
This is an enjoyable film, but if you want to watch a movie about crooks who are more interesting, better to rent out "The Grifters" or "After Dark, My Sweet."
But I have to say the movie isn't as good as the story. It's hard to put my finger on because I liked it, but let's just say that it lacks sparkle, pizzazz, whatever the word is. The acting and direction are all good, but it just lacks that certain something that makes other con game movies like "The Sting" or "The Grifters" great.
Edward Burns is good as the central character, Jake, but he's not particularly likable in the role. Smooth, yes. But appealing? No.
Dustin Hoffman has a role as the gangster they accidentally steal from and have to pay back, but he really isn't in the film very much and he plays his character as sort of an oddball. Andy Garcia also has an important part as a federal agent hot on Jake's trail, but he also doesn't have much to do and also plays the part a bit quirky.
This is an enjoyable film, but if you want to watch a movie about crooks who are more interesting, better to rent out "The Grifters" or "After Dark, My Sweet."