Taxman (1998) User Reviews

Pleasant surprise

[hvy_g · 7/10 · 29 January 2007]

Flipping channels one day and came across this film. Joe Pantoliano has always been good in whatever he does, and then it was 'Hey, Michael Chiklis!,' "Oh look, it's Elizabeth Berkley!" and the clincher was "OMG!! Freakin' Robert Townsend!!" It's a good movie, not a great film. It has a somber ending, fitting the film's almost anti-climatic aftermath...

Worth a rental for sure... It's funny how much cell phones have changed movies, especially cop dramas.

My only complaint .. as usual with Joe P.'s movies .. is his hair. The poor guy needs to just shave that mess... or go big with the transplants... Plus he's blonde in the movie and I just don't seem his as this fair-haired guy.

A good journeyman cop flick with a different kind of hero

[=G= · 6/10 · 23 September 2001]

He's not Hollywood handsome and can't dance. He has more tenacity than brains and is more impulsive than courageous. He has a tendency to act first, think later, and screw up. He will apologize, but only if it's really necessary and not everything works out in the end for him. Such is the central character in "The Taxman" (Pantoliano), an okay cops vs crime flick with the twist being the hero is a federal tax investigator who stumbles into a mafia-style operation and has almost as much trouble with the system as he has with the hoodlums. "The Taxman" is an earnest effort and a worthwhile watch for those who are looking for a down-to-earth crime flick.

Low budget with spirit

[clovis-5 · 23 February 2000]

This film reminded me of why low-budget films of earlier decades used to fascinate me: interesting premises, offbeat characters, and even good acting. But one must be tolerant of occasional over-acting (such as by Joe Pantoliano, who is nonetheless good), dialogue that seems at times to be ad libbed, and a screenplay with gaping holes. It is something less than a movie, yet it holds the viewer's interest with an interesting story and characters. There is also some action.

Not A Good Start For 'Joey Pants'

[ccthemovieman-1 · 4/10 · 7 June 2007]

This was Joe Pantoliano's first starring role, and I've always found him to play interesting guys - AFTER this movie because he's kind of flat in here. His character, "Al Benjamin," doesn't have the normal "Joey Pants" spark to him. Even the narration - and I love narration - is dull. His character also is a little obnoxious to be the "hero" of the story. Unlike others, I was expecting more going into this viewing.

His sidekick, however: "Joseph Romero" (Wade Dominguez) is very interesting. Michael Chiklis also was good as a Russian businessman who has been a target of the Soviet hit men.

The story is a bit convoluted, concerning the Russian and gas stations being used as fronts for tax purposes. Once again, we get the typical Hollywood cliché of the good cop being a renegade on the force. Overall: fair, at best.

Taxman is about as much fun as an I.R.S. audit .......

[merklekranz · 4/10 · 15 June 2016]

All hope for a coherent movie was dashed as soon as the narratives began. Of course without Joe Pantoliano spoon feeding the story you would have no idea what was going on. This low budget affair is not only confusing, but vacillates wildly between grab ass bantering and sudden bloody violence. To make matters worse there are unnecessary scenes like the wedding party that go on forever, without advancing things one iota. I found "Taxman" about as much fun as an IRS audit. Despite the presence of "Joey Pants" and even Mike Starr as his blustery boss, the weak story line drags this one right down to the mat. Not recommended. - MERK

The Taxman is Obnoxious!

[zulu934 · 3/10 · 13 January 2000]

I found this movie personally offensive for the way the main character, a tax investigator is portrayed. This character was so obnoxious, I had to turn away in disgust. Basically, here is the plot. A tax investigator, "Walter Mitty type" dreams of making the big score on a tax evasion case and becoming famous. He decides to go after the Russian mob, headquartered in the Brighton Beach section of New York, who are allegedly buying up gas stations, and then siphoning off the sales tax receipts. However, the tax investigator is so clumsy, aggressive, and undisciplined in his approach to catching these criminals, that he sabotages his own efforts constantly. This guy is so ignorant and obnoxious, you feel like slapping him around. If I had to pick a food to compare with this guys personality it would be Limburger cheese. It just out and out smells bad!! Anyway, the ending is very predictable, and the only memorable part of this movie is how obnoxious the main character was.

I worked on this movie.

[knight1776 · 8/10 · 14 September 2008]

I thought that some of you might be interested in knowing what it's like to actually work on films like these. I was on the crew as a Production Assistant. It was an independent film (not produced by a major Hollywood studio) which meant a low budget. We shot it mostly in Brooklyn where the real Russian mob have been known to operate from. It was an extremely difficult movie to work on because it was poorly managed and there were a lot of jerks on the crew. I think a big reason why so many people acted like they did was because of the utter chaos which stressed everyone out. On most other productions they are probably nicer people. The producers didn't care that we didn't have enough resources to do our jobs because all they wanted to do was keep the budget down. The production coordinator had the nerve to ask me to work on Thanksgiving and then got annoyed when I refused. We worked six days a week at an average of 15 hours a day. Then near the end they laid off a bunch of us, including me because of budget problems. Several other Production Assistants quit beforehand which I can say from experience is not typical, even on low budget movies. They also fired a few other members of the crew. I will admit it was a good film when I saw it and was amazed they were able to pull if off considering how much they screwed up the actual shoot. I invite all comments and questions.

Different type of film with Good Performances

[tarbosh22000 · 8/10 · 5 June 2004]

This is an offbeat, often funny film about a taxman who is investigating a crime when he meets a Russian family and eventually begins to care about them. There are twists but it is mostly a character driven film. Joe Pantoliano is (as usual) great as the taxman. Elizabeth Berkley does a good job as the Russian daughter. Her accent is on target. Robert "The Meteor Man" Townsend is also in it who does an okay job as a lawyer. Joe Pantoliano never gets praise when praise is due. He always puts at least a little effort and energy into all his roles. He usually steals all the movies where he is a supporting character. As evident with this film, he is definitely ready for the lead roles.

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Well-acted offbeat cop yarn

[rollo_tomaso · 9/10 · 1 July 2001]

Joe Pantaliano, Wade Dominguez, and Robert Townsend make for a most interesting crimestopping team. This is a blue collar, unglamorous tale. Pantaliano's character is no superhero: he's a tax investigator and a family man (Great line: "I'm not interested in sex. I'm married.") with a rough-hewn manner and an unpleasant disposition. Dominguez is a great balance who goes along with Pantiliano for the ride as he does in life. The film is dedicated to his memory so he died very young. Townsend is perfect as the ambitious D. A. who finally agrees to take the case. Michael Chiklis (The Commish) nearly steals the film as a sympathetic Russian businessman being hunted by Russian mafia hit men. He is terrific in all of his scenes and teaches the boys about Russian life in Brighton Beach.

Interesting, realistic characters anchor engaging indie cop film

[edfitzgerald · 8/10 · 28 October 2000]

I caught this on HBO while channel surfing and was almost immediately pulled into it -- it was so refreshing to see a cop film that was realistic, with believable characters who weren't superheroes, the kind of cops who get winded when they chase after a suspect and manage not to kill everyone in sight (in slow motion and utilizing more moves than the entire Romanian Olympic gymnastic team). The two main characters were real human beings who screwed up, went down blind alleys, made wrong assumptions, exploded in frustration when they should have stayed silent, did the right thing for the wrong reasons, and yet, in the end, did some good. I've noted in some of the other comments that people were put off by the fact that these guys were flawed, but that was exactly what attracted me about them.

I thought the direction of the film was very understated, yet avoided the kind of studied casualness that's considered stylish these days. The story was engaging and kept me involved. The film moved along at a good clip, but took time out for the lead character to contemplate the situation as it developed. Although there may have been a few holes in the plot, I wasn't overly aware of them, and they certainly weren't as egregious as those we've grown used to in most blockbuster films.

This was not a perfect film, and the elements from which it is put together (outcast cops buck the system, persevere and triumph) border on the cliche, but it's a film I would gladly watch again, and perhaps even want to keep in my permanent collection

Powerful character study and suspense thriller all in one!

[CineMOTH · 10/10 · 26 February 2001]

I saw this film in the theater when it opened in New York and just rented it again, I loved it so much. It is one of those rare, moving but subtle movies that you don't see much of anymore... a true work of art. The main character is so flawed, like each and every one of us, and makes so many mistakes -- falls for the young girl, gets his friends hurt, screws up his investigation -- but we love him anyway. Joe Pantoliano (who I have seen in the previews for the new season of The Sopranos... great actor!!!) is fantastic as a man who is so misled by his own desire for fame, and is so human at the same time... we root for him no matter what he is doing... chasing the mysterious Wizard behind the scheme or dancing at the wedding of the woman he loves. Wonderful!!! An incredibly directed, wonderfully acted story everyone should see.

A surprisingly great movie!

[bux · 10/10 · 2 July 2000]

This one is a real sleeper. The premise of a tax investigator and a screwed up cop working together to foil the Russian Mafia sounds dumb, but really works quite well. The reason that it works is the tight script, and fast-paced direction combined with outstanding performances by all involved. Will keep you on the edge of your seat. Those who don't like this one, are probably the folks who feel they shouldn't have to pay taxes, and want the rest of us to carry their load.

Elizabeth Berkley is great!

[roddy-18 · 10/10 · 2 April 2000]

"The Taxman" is a great action thriller. The story (about tax investigation and russian mafia) is so intriguing, written by a real "taxman". But the real reason that I saw this motion picture is its female star, Elizabeth Berkley. The movie reveals she is a grea actress: her performance as Nadia, the beautiful daughter of a russian guy, is really convincing and she speaks a good Georgian dialect (she studied at Berlitz for over 2 months). However, I like other thing of this picture: the great performance of Joe Pantoliano, the direction, the story and the film editing. The only thing that I dont like is the PATHETIC gross at box-office!!!!!

Elizabeth"s best to date

[pete-293 · 22 March 2001]

I originally saw "The Taxman" because I enjoy watching Elizabeth Berkley. Her portrayal of Nadia is her finest work to date. I doubt that it will silence the many critics of this young woman but it does show very well what she is a very capable actress. But beyond the performance of Elizabeth, the film is also very well done. Michael Chiklis is excellent as Nadia's father- a sort of Russian mafia kindly godfather character. But perhaps what really makes the film is the apparently accurate depiction of a tax fraud investigation. A movie about tax fraud investigation is rather unique to begin with and would strike many as rather boring. But a crime related movie that avoids all the usual cliches of mindless violence and fast cars and women is even more rare these days. Yet "The Taxman" manages to both avoid being routine and to be engrossing as well. By the way, I loved Elizabeth's sexy Russian accent.

absolutely riveting!

[raunchytalented · 9/10 · 13 August 2003]

In first place, I am a great fan of the main "star" in this film -one of my favourite cop-thrillers- Joe Pantoliano shines at wisdom gained by one long career devoted to acting in small productions, TV series and indie movies. Of course he is not a conventional "star", he is a real actor turning into real characters in screen, like this one, specially memorable through the last two scenes, although I must say all this story is paced in a brilliant directing way by Avi Nesher. Very important the last performance of sadly deceased Wade Dominguez, Robert Townsend and Elizabeth Berkley, whom I hated her before this.

Russian Mafia

[shmulik-cohen · 8/10 · 17 April 2003]

I have the DVD, This film reminds of Black Rain about Japanese Mafia. The Background of Russian New York Immigrants is very Realistic. Another film by Avi Nesher I enjoyed.

Movie is a great mystery, has great humor and is quite touching!

[Liesl-2 · 10/10 · 17 November 1999]

I agree with The New York Times review of this wonderful independent film -- it is a "charmer of a mystery... endearing and wacky!" Pantoliano is, as always, remarkable in his performance (He should be way more famous)!!!! The direction is unbelievable, a truly original looking movie, subtle yet powerful. A lot like the great movies of the seventies. I am only sorry that these types of movies are not en vogue because of the teen explosion... Otherwise I think Pantoliano would get an Oscar nod! Elizabeth Berkley is fantastic in it as well. I would rush out and rent it on video!

A+

Offbeat and colorful

[missy_baxter · 10/10 · 3 July 2001]

Well-written independent film gets great performance from Pantoliano in the title role. He is a horse's rear end, but he is an honest horse's rear end working as an IRS investigator. This film is purposefully devoid of glamour, and it gives the story that much more integrity. Wade Dominguez dies while making this movie at age 32 of respiratory failure. What a waste! He is terrific here. Robert Townsend is wonderful as the prosecutor, too. Mike Starr from "Ed" is quite good as Pantaliano's boss.

The Direction is unbelievable... The Cast...fantastic!

[Movie Mania007 · 10/10 · 19 February 2001]

If you haven't seen this one, I would run out and rent it. Pantoliano deserves an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of a New York Tax investigator. ....and not to forget the beautiful and talented Elizabeth Berkley--what an unbelievable performance! A must have to any movie collection....

A pleasant little surprise

[Ill_Technik · 19 February 2001]

This is a small little gem of a movie. It has a good script, great acting, and deals with an important subject: the influx of Russian organized crime into the US. It is all the more interesting because the protagonist is not a flashy A-list actor, and his character is just a tax inspector with a mortgage and alimony payments. In this respect, it is much more realistic than typical Hollywood cops & robbers b*******t. This film had several very touching moments, made more poignant by the fact that the main character is a regular working stiff.

Wade Dominguez is a Star.

[naphiah · 10/10 · 8 July 2023]

Firstly, I loved this movie. It's got great acting and scenery and with Mr Joe Pantaliano in it, I was happy as a clam. Secondly, I became enthralled with Wade Dominguez as an actor, an icon and truly a star as he is a refreshing and original second banana here.

New York, Brighton Beach particularly is always a sultry and compelling backdrop and with Robert Townsend, Elizabeth Berkeley, Fisher Stevens and Casey Siemaszko all in on the smirky soul of the film, even with some violence, it's a very fun movie to watch.

There are quite a few beautiful scenes: a Jewish funeral in the rain comes to mind with the chanting pouring over my heart amidst tombstones.