Plot
Jack Foley is a career criminal, having spent more time behind bars than as a free man. Having escaped from prison yet again, he comes into contact with Federal Marshal Karen Sisco – who he is instantly attracted to. When he plans to rob an old fellow prison inmate, he learns that some of his other former inmate’s plan to do the same.
Direction
One of Steven Soderbergh’s best films has some of his classic trademarks, such as clever zoom work, Dutch angles, pause shots and ‘dialogue over other moments’. This was the first collaboration between him and star George Clooney.
Cast/Characters
A fairly stacked cast, who all bring their A game, especially Clooney and co lead Jennifer Lopez as Sisco. They were both in their prime – and haven’t really dropped their A lister level in Hollywood since. The characters have genuine affection for one another, and the pairing of these two is what made the movie.
Secondary cast are Ving Rhames as Jack’s best friend Buddy, Steve Zahn as their associate Glen, Don Cheadle as their prison nemesis ‘Snoop’ and an almost unrecognisable Albert Brooks as billionaire Richard Ripley.
Supporting cast are the late Dennis Farina as Karen’s dad, and in very early roles Viola Davis (who looks younger now!) and Isaiah Washington. Michael Keaton and Samuel L Jackson both appear unbilled, with Keaton reprising his Jackie Brown role.
Screenplay/Setting/Themes
Told in a nonlinear narrative at times (with frequent flash backs to the time Foley was in jail with Ripley, Glen and Snoop, it is based on the novel by Elmore Leonard (who also wrote Jackie Brown).
The film favours dialogue and character over action, and there are some wonderful moments of dialogue between the two leads, with the moment in the trunk (or boot for us Aussies) and then their date with the snow in the background.
This version of Foley was clearly written for Clooney.
Score/Soundtrack
David Holmes brings the score, and this too is his first collaboration with Soderbergh. His techniques were instantly noticeable, and he would go on to work with Soderbergh on several projects later on.
Overall
Despite it being over 25 years old now, this holds up incredibly well. The leads are wonderfully cast, and the dialogue is fun, thanks to a strong screenplay. Soderbergh gives wonderful skills as a director. Still a great film that is a high recommend.
4.5/5
If you’re able to, please “buy me a coffee”
Ryan's Movie Reviews 