derbyhandicap

These cinema ground hogs should have collaborated twenty years ago (Are we counting Heat?).I still would love to see them in something which highlights there comedy chop sticks; in the vain of Walter and Jack. Deniro, could play a retired baseball umpire with a club foot and Pacino, a down and sometimes out day trader who speak Russian every time he's around his love interest, Sigourney Weaver. Sigourney, who by the way plays a down and never out telemarketer. Enjoy RK with a bottle of mer lot and a corn beef sandwich. Equip yourself for an arrangement of belly laughs every 11 minutes. The dynamic duo fall short but a pair of quarters and an ex block kid are waiting to brush off the extra lint. Bon my appetite....

The directing and acting was border line good at best. The characters were too casual and cartoonish. Bill Murray as the "Writer" provided the wit and Dustin Hoffman's "Meyer Lansky" was the comic relief. The location shots, wardrobe, music, make-up and coloring held my interest for the two hours. I must point out, the eloquent cadence by Che and his rebels, how profound. I'm guessing this is how they would've came across, if English were a first language (I may be wrong, though). I was bit peeved with the English and Spanish exchanges toward the latter half of the movie, it was half-ass and misleading.

The film is a romanticized version of the revolution and nothing more. I, at first was a bit disappointed but soon realized the film should be viewed under the same principles as a musical. I was hoping Fico and Che were gonna uphold my wishes by performing a musical soliloquy declaring their deepest desires for Aurora (Court yard scene would have made sense). Let's just say that never came about. Nonetheless, Che did make a good one hand catch with the Champagne glass. His hands could've been better used at third base. I hope that wasn't edited because then my vision of Che at the hot corner would be tarnished.

So what if the film was fluff and not worth three croquetas de hamon? It's a fantasy through the eyes of one director and I'm sure if Andy could've done it again, music would have been at the forefront.

Do it again Andy and let's see Fidel do a number with the pigeon. Libertad! Libertad! Libertad!

The performances were solid, supporting to lead the characters were outstanding and showed much depth (even Willhem). The scenes were well crafted and the 'look' of the film was quite intense. However I did have an issue with the story and the back and forth, cute to clever scenario. I wished the film was able to dwell into the direct relationship between Clive Owens' character and Christopher Plummers.' I felt there was more to be said to the reasoning behind his purpose. Maybe a second viewing could perhaps answer this. A sequel would help, but I hope that is not even an option. It's a character driven film and a little bit more. I still would recommend this film, it's a change from all the splash and squash were delivered down our throats by the chimps in tinsel town.