Reviews
Boomtown (2002)
Powerfully acted
This is the best crime drama on television and the best in recent memory. The changing perspectives are not what sets the show apart. In fact, this aspect is hit and miss. One week it might add something, the next week the story could be told in sequence with equal force. What sets this show apart is the performances of the cast. Neal McDonough is awe inspiring as talented but tragically flawed Deputy DA David McNorris. His performance is more intelligent and nuanced than anything else on network television. It is an incredible combination of a man with positive attributes who is constantly on the edge of self destruction. Donnie Wahlberg and Mykelti Williams also play roles of a lifetime. This is an addictive show that is a must see on Sunday nights.
Heartbreakers (2001)
Mediocre
This is actually a film that could have benefited from being more formulaic. It was meant to be a "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" for the female set. Here is the problem. . . unlike in that gem, the wholly unlikable characters do not get their just desserts. In fact, I was begging for the predicatable ending, but did not get it. Ray Liotta does the best with the pitiful dialogue that he is given. He is a character actor now, and he acquits himself well. I do not know if his looks have really faded or if it is tricks, but since he plays Johnny Depp's Dad in Blow, I am going to assume the former. In any event, some of you guys will be happy to note that he plays a run of the mill b*****d in this picture. You might see elsewhere that Gene Hackman is the highlight of this film. Do not believe it. Liotta makes much out of nothing. He is to be commended.
Weaver should be ashamed of herself. Evidently, paychecks are hard to come by these days. Hewitt does what she does best, look hot. If that is why you want to come to the theatre, I cannot discourage you. It is painful at times to look at her, she looks so good. The plot is so predicatable, the movie cannot possibly be enjoyable. Jason Lee, as always, is a hilarious as the handsome smartass. But even he cannot save the film. I can promise that the last half hour of this film will crawl across the screen so slowly, that you will beg aloud for the contrived ending that you know is coming. I cannot recommend this film.