This film was tailor made for Richard Gere. I have always thought that even though he's a decent actor, he is at his best when he plays cold, evil characters. Basically, Andy Garcia plays an ambitious IAD cop that is out to get Gere who is a dirty cop. This would be a spoiler but since the trailers already gave this up I find no problem in revealing it!!! I wouldn't really call it a thriller because there is no mystery as to who Gere is. The movie is really a study of the 2 cops. Gere is the obvious villain, but he fancies himself as a loving family man who loves children. On the other hand Garcia is married , with no children and seems to be cold and self-centered. Even though the movie puts him as the quote hero, he really isn't a likable guy, he neglects his wife, he is also presented as a Latin macho guy. I guess that Mike Figgis wanted the "2 sides of the same coin" thing between Gere and Garcia. It works to a point, but there comes a point in the film where it all gets a little too ridiculous to be really effective. Gere gets to a point that he is so bad that you would think that all he would need is to grow horns!!! It is more style than substance. The movie is never boring, it keeps your attention , but is not truly engaging. The saving grace is Laurie Metcalf, she plays the ONLY likable character in the film. It isn't great, but it is entertaining on a sleazy soap opera level.
Grade: C+
Grade: C+