Rating: Summary: Don't throw away time and money Review: I don't know what features are included on the dvd, however, I have seen the VHS copy of this movie and I have to say that it is one of the worst movies I have ever seen. Not only is the acting subpar but the plot is so transparent and uninspired that it is a total waste of time. If you want a movie with this kind of feel go get "The Game".
Rating: Summary: If It Doesn't Hurt You To Think, Then You'll Love It! Review: The Spanish Prisoner has about as many twists as a coil of rope, and figuring out how all the pieces fall into place is what makes this movie so damn good! So if you like your suspense on the intellectual side and can deal with a movie that's more than just Breasts, Booms, and Blood check this movie out. The only problem was that for this movie to work the schmuck in the lead(Campell Scott) has to walk into every preconceived little snare set for him. But once you get past that one minor detail the movie is pure cerebral entertainment. Steve Martin's performance is a knockout! One of the finest scripted films I have ever seen, they just keep on messin' with Campell Scott!
Rating: Summary: Excellent Review: I love this film. It has suspense, interesting characters, and so many plot twists. Truthfully, I have trouble watching this film because I know Campbell Scott's character is going to be taken advantage of. This film is subtle and requires you to pay attention. It's not a film that you watch half asleep. Otherwise you won't be able to follow the plot. There are clues along the way. I don't know what those reviewers who said it was terrible are talking about. Don't listen to them, it's wonderful.
Rating: Summary: I'm out of words, so bad it is ... Review: Well, I think the bes thing I can suggest to you about his "masterpiece" is: watch and judge it by yourself... I'm out of words to describe for you how horrible this movie is, how arrogant the director was. This arrogance was translated into slowness, the movie never takes off...
Rating: Summary: A "Mc Mamet" Movie Review: The film has many nice twists although the story is not too logic. Every actor did a great job. When you know "House of games" you have a dèja vu. You know at too many scenes what you expect next. So you have a nice film, but the characters would not act in real lifethe way they do here. In comparision House of Games is a Perfect movie in every aspect, the story and the characters are convincing.
Rating: Summary: Absolutely Terrible, a waste of film Review: Normally I like Mamet's work but this film is an exception. The plot is predictable, ludicrous, and has plot holes that you could drive a truck through. The acting is flat and lifeless. Rarely does a film make Steve Martin look so boring. And Mamet's wife Rebecca Pidgeon is an embarrassment to herself and to the art of acting itself. She looks as if she has taken acting lessons from a corpse. The dialog was stilted and it seemed even the actors were a little surprised to be saying it aloud. I laughed inappropriately a number of times during this film. DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME. This movie flopped for a reason. It is a lousy film.
Rating: Summary: An Imbecile's Opinion Review: Has anyone else noticed the contempt some positive reviewers have for those who disagree? I found "shallow existnce", "cartoon soaked brain", "brain dead", "stick to watching 'Varsity Blues'", "try not to see it with people who have a short attention span", and the not too subtle "thinker's film" and "average veiwer probably won't like". Oh well... The protagonist, Joe Ross, comes across as an idiot, who can be counted on, when faced with any decision, to do exactly what it takes to follow the Rube Goldberg plan of the antagonists. For example: Had he not sought out to confront Jimmy Dell, after being ignored in the showroom... Had he simply looked at what he was signing... This scheme actually REQUIRED him to confront Jimmy Dell, REQUIRED him to sign a document without even a glance at it, etc. "Odd Job" has a point, too. I suppose this makes me an imbecile.
Rating: Summary: sublety on parade Review: David mamet has to be considered one the most talented and intelligent American writer/directors of the modern era.In the Spanish Prisoner he's crafted a suspenseful,smoldering,highly entertaining film with no special fx,loud music,nudity,bodily fluids,or foul language(there is,but it's used sparingly).It's shocking that there is a director,who still can get films financed,who doesn't pander or condescend to the audience.He's unwilling to follow the money and insult the viewers intelligence.He's crafted an intricate masterpiece of a puzzle that could be potentially ruined if i even give you a hint of what it's about.I will say that Campbell Scott as a young enterprising inventor is a revelation.Why this guy isn't more popular is beyond me,he has talent to burn.Steve martin steals scenes,not because he acts like a bufoon,but because he's so subdued and in command.Rebbeca Pidgeon burns holes through the screen as the loyal secretary,and she never sheds her clothes.There are no holes in the casting,the supporting cast is solid from top to bottom.There is nothing more to say except that you should see this film,if only to see how films can and should be made.It's the furthest thing from Everybody Loves Mary or whatever that monstrosity of celluloid was by the Farrelly duo.
Rating: Summary: A must see movie Review: This movie is another classic from Mamet is a 'must own' movie. The writing is excellent and movie is very gripping. If you liked 'The Usual Suspects', you'll love this movie.
Rating: Summary: One of the best of 1998 Review: A modern day film noir in the tradition of China Town and L.A. Confidential. Spanish Prisoner possesses a unique style that is missing from most movies today. Intriguing sets and locales, a winding plot, sophisticated characters, and a moody, mysterious tone throughout the entire film set this movie apart. True, as some reviewers have complained, the acting is somewhat understated, but the dialogue is intelligent and lends itself perfectly to the mood that Mamet is trying to create. If you're looking for explosions, gratuitous violence, product endorsements or cheaky one-liners, then this movie is not for you.
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