Storyville

Rating:
Summary: Holds one's attention
Review: Essentially the misadventures of a young man (Spader), acting rather stupidly, this mystery drama at least keeps one watching throughout its running time. It's a semi-thriller about a rich, southern young lawyer running for congress, attempting to uncover the web of deceit that has been spun around him by opponents unknown, following off from his father's death. Spader gives a terrific, ultra cool performance as the hotshot lawyer and is given strong support all round, notable from Jason Robards. Director Frost (who worked with David Lynch on the cult TV series, "Twin Peaks") keeps the plot moving along at a moderate pace, but one can't help but think it could have been better if the plot had revolved around something more substantial that Spader's whim.

Rating:
Summary: This movie wasn't really great...
Review: I found this movie to be a little too drawn out and confusing, but James Spader did a fairly good job with his role (even though his more recent works are much better). One good thing about this film was the beautiful scenery, colors and lighting in many of the scenes. I just couldn't get into this movie...James Spader's acting abilities were just not at their best in this picture.

Rating:
Summary: Left open ends
Review: I'm a huge fan of Spader but this was not one of his best. Some parts of the plot was difficult to follow because it was boring and my mind kind of wandered off. The problem I have with this film is the use of the "Vietnamese" woman to carry out the plot. Not only was it bad for the film, it gave (...)viewers like me a bad taste in my mouth once the movie was over. The woman looked nothing like (...)and she was just a medium to add (...)and violence into the film. Plus, her fate was left untold after the trial. There's nothing realistic about this movie and Spader's character is not very likable though he's suppose to play the good guy.

Rating:
Summary: Left open ends
Review: I'm a huge fan of Spader but this was not one of his best. Some parts of the plot was difficult to follow because it was boring and my mind kind of wandered off. The problem I have with this film is the use of the "Vietnamese" woman to carry out the plot. Not only was it bad for the film, it gave (...)viewers like me a bad taste in my mouth once the movie was over. The woman looked nothing like (...)and she was just a medium to add (...)and violence into the film. Plus, her fate was left untold after the trial. There's nothing realistic about this movie and Spader's character is not very likable though he's suppose to play the good guy.

Rating:
Summary: A great,, sensual film about New Orleans and the south...
Review: Storyville has always been one of my favorite films, and now it is finally coming to DVD. It is an interesting and stylish brew, much as if Tennessee Williams was channeled by David Lynch as told to Woodward & Bernstein. The story revolves around Cray Fowler, a young ne'er-do-well scion of old south wealth, played by James Spader, attempting to unravel a family mystery about his father's suicide, the submerged dealings of the past that built the family fortune, and the present day intrigues of his family and his uncle's drive to have Cray Fowler elected a state senator.

Behind all this is a wonderful cast of characters and a standout performance by Joanne Whalley as a district attorney and former live in lover of Spader's character. Whalley does a fantastic, sensuous southern accent, and the relationship between Whalley and Spader is understated, ironic, and high on heat and barely restrained lust. Just great stuff.

The film is helped immensely by filming on location in New Orleans and southern Louisiana, and the visuals really conjure the Big Easy in heat, of summer and otherwise.

A notable supporting role is that of Spader's estranged wife, a dim witted, greedy and vivacious southern debutante type wonderfully played by Justine Shapiro, who went on to wider fame as the host of the Lonely Planet travel series.

Great fun, very sensual and a wonderful and vastly under appreciated film.

Rating:
Summary: Talented actors alive and well in "The Big Easy"!
Review: The past is very much alive and not forgotten in New Orleans. This is one theme of this movie. It also provides an insight as to the sordid business of politics in Louisiana. Solid work from James Spader and from some "Hill Street" actors together with a fantastic soundtrack make this film a great one! Do not miss it!