Crash and Burn

Previously I've seen several other efforts from this production company (RHI Entertainment), and this is the best of all I've seen from them. Though if you are familiar with their movies, you may understandably think that statement of mine is not saying much. Actually, I can say a couple of good things about this particular movie of theirs. For one thing, the production values are pretty decent. Not lavish, but it looks sunny and somewhat slick for its limited budget. Also, the performances are adequate for the most part. Madsen does occasionally show some ham, but generally restrains himself. The lead actor is decent, though his mustache makes him look like Steve Buscemi at times (this does add a few unintended laughs.)

Unfortunately, I can't think of much more positive I can say about "Crash And Burn". Though directed by Russel Mulcahy, who had experience with big-budget action movies (how the mighty have fallen), the movie is pretty flat for the most part. Stealing cars does not seem to be very exciting here, and neither do several chase sequences. The whole movie seems to be restrained for the most part, maybe because this movie was made for Spike TV, not for theaters or video, and they couldn't add stuff like intense violence or sexual material. Not only is it flat, the script is very predictable. If you've seen any other movie involving undercover work, you will know what will happen in this one before it happens.