Vic Kelly (Walken) ponders his future...
This low-key film works up a subtle level of intrigue on several levels as it looks at Vic's relationships with his girlfriend Sally (Lauper), daughter Miriam (Farmiga) and Michael, as well as a slowly developing relationship between Michael and Miriam. And the heist is gripping without ever developing into a cliched action sequence. It's extremely well-played by the entire cast, with Walken especially good (of course) as a man who's absolutely mortified about his past and yet still risks everything. It's great to see him play a character who isn't insane for a change! The slow pace does make the film drag here and there, but there's a terrific payoff at the very end, with a lovely moment that brings everything into focus beautifully, without being remotely simplistic or glib.
[adult themes] 16.Nov.99
US release 11.Aug.00
