Andrew Niccol must be applauded for this masterpiece, not only for its entertainment value, but also its message, especially considering the lack of media interest on the topic of arms dealing.
After having for some reason watched recently his appalling work in Snake Eyes, where he was conceivably running after a hopefully large career-damaging paycheck, this movie should also strengthen/build Nicolas Cage's reputation as a serious lead man. He is throughout this feature on cue, and convincingly delivers Niccol's polished, urgent text. Moynahan and Hawke also deliver strong performances. Special mentions must be made for Leto and Walker, who both carry their ambiguous supportive roles, with distinction, and who were both less well known to me.
This is neither a date, nor a family movie, but for friends. It is definitely worth being seen at the theater, and should become one of those essential components of any respectable DVD collection, in my humble opinion.
Nicolas Cage (Yuri Orlov) 8/10 - Very good performance, but hard to believe his supposedly Ukrainian origin.
Bridget Moynahan (Ava Fontaine) 8/10 - Gorgeous, just gorgeous.
Jared Leto (Vitaly Orlov) 9/10 - Scene stealer.
Ethan Hawke (Jack Valentine) 7/10 - Good performance, but rather one-dimensional character to play in the first place.
Eamonn Walker (Andre Baptiste Sr.) 9/10 - Scene stealer.
Andrew Niccol 10/10
After having for some reason watched recently his appalling work in Snake Eyes, where he was conceivably running after a hopefully large career-damaging paycheck, this movie should also strengthen/build Nicolas Cage's reputation as a serious lead man. He is throughout this feature on cue, and convincingly delivers Niccol's polished, urgent text. Moynahan and Hawke also deliver strong performances. Special mentions must be made for Leto and Walker, who both carry their ambiguous supportive roles, with distinction, and who were both less well known to me.
This is neither a date, nor a family movie, but for friends. It is definitely worth being seen at the theater, and should become one of those essential components of any respectable DVD collection, in my humble opinion.
Nicolas Cage (Yuri Orlov) 8/10 - Very good performance, but hard to believe his supposedly Ukrainian origin.
Bridget Moynahan (Ava Fontaine) 8/10 - Gorgeous, just gorgeous.
Jared Leto (Vitaly Orlov) 9/10 - Scene stealer.
Ethan Hawke (Jack Valentine) 7/10 - Good performance, but rather one-dimensional character to play in the first place.
Eamonn Walker (Andre Baptiste Sr.) 9/10 - Scene stealer.
Andrew Niccol 10/10