21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Overall Excellent Film, October 30, 2005
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.
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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
One of the Most Interesting Films in a While, August 7, 2001
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.
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A surprise hit!, October 16, 1999
By A Customer
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.
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