Customer Reviews

Suicide Kings

5 star:		(55)
4 star:		(33)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Looking for a mob movie that doesn't star Robert DeNiro or Al Pacino? Neither am I, but, hey, sometimes you need a little variety in your repetoir, right? Suicide Kings is, in my opinion, this variety. Starring Christopher Walken and backed-up by Dennis Leary and a cast of up-and-comers, Suicide Kings succeeds remarkably at creating a dark and twisted tail of revenge, betrayal and getting in over your head.

Walken plays Carlo Bartolucci (also known in the movie as Charlie Barret), a mob boss recently returned from prison and having a night out on the town. During this he is joined by a group of college-aged kids also seemingly celebrating. As the night continues, these youngsters kidnap him.

After a few turns the kids motives are revealed: They're going to use Charlie's ransom money to pay off ANOTHER ransom, that of one of the kidnapper's girlfriends. What follows is a beautifully political example of Stockholm's Psychology as Walken's mob boss systematically turns each of the conspirator's against the other, all the while contacting his right-hand man, played by the fabulously energetic Dennis Leary.

Though this picture has many strong points, including a great plot, excellent scripting and superb acting, it has a few flaws that warrant a four-star rating rather than a five-star, in my opinion. First is the pacing. At times, the movie drags in places where it seems as if the writer wasn't sure what to do next. Though it swiftly recovers from these moments, they still occur enough to bring an impatient sigh or two.

Some of the cinematography is lacking as well, speaking characters are slightly blocked or transitions a bit questionable. There isn't any shaking camera or bad panning, just a few places where I think it could have been done better. In the end, though, the effect is negligible and barely detracts from the movie as a whole.

All in all, this is an excellent film. Walken and Leary are on target as always, and the plot has just enough turns to keep it interesting without being confusing. The best thing about the picture is probably the script, though. Some of the quotes are just brilliant. I heartily recommend this film to mob-movie afficionados and psych-thriller junkies alike.

While this film did not get much attention elsewhere, it certainly has mine. Suicide Kings is a movie about a group of spoiled rich kids in a tight bind with some criminals. To help gain some leverage in the ordeal, one of them has the bright idea to kidnap a NY mob boss (Walken). A guessing game of who betrayed who ensues and it will keep you wondering. This movie is hilarious, smart and interesting. It's full of great acting, funny dialogue, and interesting plot twists. Christopher Walken, in my opinion one of the greatest movie bad guys, shows his range in an outstanding performance. He's funny, dramatic and intense, all while being taped to a chair for most of the movie. Other notable performances are Dennis Leary, who plays Walken's right hand man in classic Leary style, and Jay Moore as the hard nosed, stubborn leader of the preps. The film has a very independent feel to it and is gritty at some points. While feeling this way, however, it does not feel un-professional ever. Basically, if you want a funny film with great performances from great actors, a good plot (which is often scarce nowadays), and a cheap price ...!!!, you have no excuse not to buy Suicide Kings.

I picked up this DVD on a whim, not having seen nor heard any information on the title. I relied on the strength of the cast to not let me down. I was glad I followed my hunch. This is without a doubt one of the best dark comedies I have ever seen. The cast works together well, and the script is well written. Sure, parts are a little predictable, but there are still sufficient twists and turns to keep you interested until the film's conclusion. The DVD is packed full of extras too that make it a worthwhile purchase.

This movie is one of my favorites; Christopher Walken's brooding Christopher Walken...ness, Denis Leary's comic relief so to speak, the superb acting from Jay Mohr, Jeremy Sisto, Sean Flannery, and blah blah blah...basically I think this is an excellent story conveyed with impressive acting, and I'm suprised at how this movie gets no real recognition. In any case, good stuff. I wonder if this is where Mohr picked up his Walken impersonation... or was it SNL? ah, who cares.

I saw one TV spot for this movie, and never even saw it playing at a theatre? Was I out sick that week? This is a hidden jewel. This movie is almost soley driven by dialogue. What a job! A very little bit of action tossed in to aide the story, but other than that it's all in the words. I can't write enough to do this justice. I mean really, the main character (Walken) was strapped in a chair almost the whole time and he still kicked @$$ in the role. I think there are a whole lot of moviegoers who lost out when they missed this movie. If you like a great script, at least rent this to give it a chance. (Then buy it) Don't pass it by. The alternate endings are cool, one of which I think was better than the chosen, though it isn't believable. I like this movie a little more everytime I see it.

Ok, I'm not quite into 'Mobster' movies. In fact, you might say they all seem the same after awhile.I'm not saying this is the greatest or the worst movie. This movie is simply a good movie to rent. First, the story line is both funny and pretty unpredictable. That alone makes it stand-out.Secondly, the characters are developed enough to create a sense of wanting to know about each one. Walken is the central figure who is able to reveal tidbits about each guy in a psychological game that grabbed my attention.Finally, the balance of comedy and psycho fear make the ending worth the wait.In some strange way, the Sucide Kings when watched the second time around is even better because...well because knowing the ending let's you become a true Wise Guy.

I'm not a huge fan of dark comedies but this one was awesome. The acting was great, the story was gripping and original. It didn't get tied down in being dark or being a comedy. It just concentrated on having a good plot and telling the story smoothly. Dennis Leary gives a great comedic edge to his performance. Christopher Walken gives one of his best performances. The movie adds one twist after another too keep you guessing up until the very end. One of the best movies I've seen in a while.

Christopher Walken is an awesome actor. This movie is good because all of the actors kept pace with the moods and the ability of the other actors. In other words, one actor wasn't overshadowed by another actor's performance. All the actor's performances were equal and very powerful. The plot was twisting and kept my mind going. The wit was a vital part of the movie as well to relive some of the anxiety and then to bring it back on the viewer. Denis Leary did a great job as Walken's #1 guy. The movie, overall, was great. If you get a chance, get the DVD. It has 2 alternate endings and a lot of other stuff that will help in the enjoyment of this film.

In this dark comedy, Christopher Walken shines as a mobster abducted by five friends (including Jay Mohr and Henry Thomas). These guys believe Walken can solve the kidnapping of one of their sisters. As Walken plays mind games, his captors splinter, each wondering whether one of them had a hand in the crime. The DVD is chock-full of fascinating extras.

This film is so popular that I imagine there isn't much I can say that hasn't already been said. I will tell you that it is worth your time for the Dennis Leary 'Busket' scene (oh yeah and to hear him talk about his shoes)- Leary is always hilarious. Yes, this film is indeed dark and funny- but when have you known Walken to be anything different?! LOL Hold on to your fingers (you'll understand after you watch), prepare yourself for the twisted ending and ENJOY!