Customer Reviews

Chameleon [VHS]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This film has a fairly unoriginal premise: cop guy still suffering the death of his family goes out for revenge. The particulars of the crime plot - drugs, money laundering, and other organized crime activity - are also nothing to get worked up about. It's not that they're done badly or even cheesy, but they have all been done before.

What makes this film worth watching is the lead character and the actor who plays him. Willie Serling, played by the wonderful Anthony LaPaglia, drifts in and out of so many false personalities as part of his undercover operations that he's not sure who he is himself anymore. Not only does LaPaglia adeptly handle character changes - moving in and out of accents, mannerisms, gaits, etc. - but he also really brings home the performance of Serling struggling to keep a grip on his own life. LaPaglia's performance is so good that it's easy to forget about the plot issue. Furthermore, the character himself is interesting to watch as he navigates the story.

So don't watch this movie if you're looking for the best crime drama ever, but definitely watch it if you want to see a genius of an actor at work in a thoroughly interesting role.

If you're a fan of movie makeup, that part of this movie alone should entice you. Fabulous work by the makeup crew makes for a fun Spot-The-Agent game on the part of Willie's boss. If the crew didn't get an award for their work, they were robbed.

An average plot is saved by the awesome performance by Anthony LaPaglia as a troubled federal agent who utilizes disguises and multiple identities to infiltrate a money laundering scam. LaPaglia is very believable, shifting easily from one personality to another while not forsaking the disturbing edge of the character.

"Chameleon" with Anthony LaPaglia and Kevin Pollak came out in 1995. This title shows Chameleon (2000). Make sure you are ordering the correct movie, regardless of the reference to the name Anthony LaPaglia in this title's review listing.

This is a movie I will add to my collection. Anthony LaPaglia played his role as a troubled DEA agent,and he was great.

the time of release is listed wrong on this movie.
it was not released in 2000, that may have been a different movie with the same or similar title.
this one was released in 1995.

Anthony LaPaglia really shows off his acting abilities. He portrayed the character from every angle of emotion. I was on the edge of my seat in suspense as to what would take place next. This is definitely a movie where you have to keep your attention on the movie to enjoy every minute of it. I had wanted more even after the movie was over. I really wish they would consider a DVD release as this is one of his great films. This is on my top 10 list of movies. I recommend that you see this movie to see what one mans determination can do. I became a Anthony LaPaglia fan back when I saw his "Innocent Blood (1992)" a cute horror/comedy. I really enjoy his newer TV series "Without a Trace".

I recieved this video in a timely fashion and the quality is excellent