Customer Reviews

The Opportunists

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

 

 

This 2000 independent film has some of the feel of a quiet short story, told at leisurely length. Part of this impression comes from easy pacing, of course, but it's reinforced by a simple story and low-key performances. Christopher Walken, in particular, plays the main character with measured but effortless quiet intensity, inward and reserved but not entirely closed. He makes even the tensest moments seem muted. It's this performance that only Walken could give in just this way that's the most engaging aspect of the film.

In terms of story this is a mild ex-con-gets-drawn-back-for-one-more-job heist movie. The setting is the suburban Sunnyside neighborhood of Queens in New York. Walken is the ex-con ex-safecracker who is having severe problems making ends meet while trying to make his way legally. His difficulties are presented to the point of redundancy, making sure we sympathize with him as a decent, ordinary man (as ordinary as an expert safecracker played by Christopher Walken can be) stretched to his limits. An element of mystery is added in a character claiming to be Walken's cousin from the old country, Ireland, who may not be who he claims to be. There are twists in the story, though I didn't find them surprising. One key twist was oddly telegraphed, maybe to add tension. There's enough suspense to hold interest. There is at least one rather large implausibility about the ending, but for the most part the story holds together well. There's some interesting detail in the heist preparation. Little violence, rated R for language.

Walken's no-nonsense girlfriend is played by Cyndi Lauper, who does a fine job, though the role doesn't ask much of her. The cast is strong for the most part, with some colorful supporting characters. The subdued performances are perhaps made more realistic by not going for the usual extremes.

This was writer/director Myles Connell's first and, so far, only feature film. The film was initially developed at the Sundance Filmmakers Lab in 1995, and premiered to good reviews at Sundance in 2000. I enjoyed it and would be interested in seeing more from Connell, especially if he can gather another cast this good.

Fans of Walken will enjoy seeing him play a more normal person than usual. Fans of heist movies will probably be pleased if they don't expect a lot of action or violence. Independent film fans who like a gentle character sketch should also enjoy this.

CHRISTOPHER WALKEN PLAYS AN EX CON WHO GETS BACK INTO CRIME BY HIS FRIENDS AND HIS SO CALLED IRISH RELATIVE.WALKENS DESPERTLY NEEDS MONEY, SO HE SAYS YES TO HIS FRIENDS ON PLANNING TO ROB A SAFE.LAUPER PLAYS WALKENS GIRLFRIEND WHO OWNS A BAR AND HAS HAD ENOUGH OF WALKENS OLD HABITS.GREAT ACTING BY EVEYONE IN FILM, IN THIS DREARY HOMELIFE TYPE OF FILM THAT HAS A INTERESTING STORY.

I found this movie to be an interesting view as Christopher Walken is a very fine actor. The story line while not new is still believable and is able to hold your interest. Cyndi Lauper shows her talent as a dramatic actress and is enjoyable to watch even if her part is a bit small. The only downside I found was that it didn't have subtitles and as I am hard of hearing it made it a bit difficult but otherwise I would recommend this movie for any Walken or Cyn fans.

And yet another understated performance by one of the greatest actors of the past generation. In all honesty, as I look back on 'The Deer Hunter', I realize that the truly gifted artist wasn't DeNiro. That's not to say RD wasn't or isn't great. But it seems to me, these past forty years and looking at their *collective* bodies of work - it was Walken who was always a touch better, the actor that had a tighter game and delivered more sharp-edged performances.

Whether it's drama, thriller or comedy - looking back - Walken all the way.

Combining his talent with Director Myles Connell, they deliver a clean and simple touch to a very delicate type of filmmaking - the crime drama. Believe me, a lot of directors, even good ones, screw-up this genre of films. It's like producing a fine wine - too much heat and you have vinegar, too cold and it dies in the bottle. You have to have just the right balance. As I said, a LOT of directors have tried and failed.

This is a prime example of a fine vintage. Walken plays Vic Kelly, former safe cracker gone straight. But he's hit a rough patch and it looks like his only option is getting back into the crime game.

His girlfriend, and the reason I rented this besides Walken, is the always delectable Cyndi Lauper. It's unfortunate that her few film roles have been in forgettable vehicles - because she can act, really act. She plays Sally Mahon, the hardened local businesswoman who has fallen for Harry, refuses to let him go back into the darkness, and won't wait for him if he does.

The plan seems straight forward and simple - but don't they all? Easy money, no one gets hurt. Piece of cake.

'Cept that's not how real life works does it?

Outstanding performances by all involved, and in a strange bit of self-typecasting, Tom Noonan does another turn as a crime facilitator and technical expert. I believe this is his third turn in as many films. Interesting because I know from his interviews that he carefully selects his roles not wanting to repeat himself and with whom he works.

It's no small coincidence that he plays facilitator/crime expert to both DeNiro and Walken in two separate and different films.

Superior filmmaking, excellent acting, strong storytelling and a decent unexpected twist or two. Trust me, I kept guessing right up to the closing credits - bullet or no bullet?