Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
So why didn't this make it to theaters?, June 1, 2004
It is rare to hear such polarization of opinions on a film that apparently didn't ever open in the theaters. When the list of current fluff is surveyed - films not only with no storyline but no actors of any merit to propel what is not there - it makes you wonder 'what happened?' A great movie? No, but it is far above the things that draw massive crowds to the popcorn palaces. SHADE, as written and directed with aplomb by Damian Nieman, is another Con Artist/Grifter/Confidence Game story that just happens to be populated with a crew of excellent actors. This time it is about poker, this was a riveting and fascinating story. At last Stuart Townsend gets a chance to star as the main card shark and he handles his pivotal role with tremendous finesse. He is teamed with Gabriel Byrne and Thandie Newton in the near perfect con. The victims and other players include Jamie Foxx, Dina Merrill, Hal Holbrook, Melanie Griffith, and even Sylvester Stallone in a fine turn as the Dean of Cards. The card tricks are believably performed by the actors trained to the nines and the surprise ending is a real jolt, making you realize how easy it is to get caught up in the Grifter mindset. I think this is a polished little film that deserves more attention!
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11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
THREE Stars for the story; FIVE for the casting!, December 23, 2004
As far as the story is concerned, the plot twists were kind of easy to predict and the characters were your typical assortment: sexy female diversion, cool calculating young apprentice, savvy street-wise hustler, experienced poker ace, and the omnipresent crimeland kingpin of whom everyone is afraid.
But, it is the marvelous casting that makes this film for me. Stallone, Townsend, Byrne, Newton, and Foxx seem to really be enjoying themselves in their various parts and could easily have given Clooney's "Ocean Eleven" crew a run for the money. Melanie Griffith's extended cameo fits well into the film's structure, too.
However, the appearance of acting pros as Hal Holbrook, Patrick Bauchau, and Dina Merrill are a pleasure for this movie fan, adding an element of class and authenticity to the posh surroundings. Bo Hopkins (who also served as executive producer) has a field day as a not-so-honest L.A. cop.
Even "Deep Space Nine's" Michael Dorn has a small part, sans his KLINGON garb.
Roger G. Smith makes an impression as a "hood" with impeccable diction.
The film may not have made much headway at the box office but is still an enjoyable look at what goes on with those with money to burn.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Hidden references for Magicians!, February 26, 2005
I love "con" films (The Sting, The Spanish Prisoner, Heist, etc.) and enjoyed this one although it does not come close to the others I just mentioned. Part of the reason I love this genre is that I am a close-up/card magician and magicians use many "con" tecniques in their craft...albiet for entertainment pursposes only.
I was delighted at the story line that took place at the club I belong to (The Academy of Magical Arts, aka "The Magic Castle," in Hollywood). Not only that but many of the characters are named for famous magicians (and I am NOT talking about Copperfield or Blaine here). Some of those names are "Larry Jennings," "Charlie Miller," and "Dai Vernon" - the latter also has a seperate look-a-like character played by Hal Holbrook, known as "The Professor" (the real Dai Vernon's nickname).
An enjoyable enough dvd to pass as hour and a half with!
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