Rating: 
Summary: While flawed, worth seeing for the chances the director took
Review: I'd rather see a flawed but thought-provoking movie than the safe, formulaic, average film any day of the week. 15 Minutes is that intriguing but flawed movie, a flim where it is clear the director went out on a limb but didn't quite make it work completely - and yet I couldn't stop watching this one. Basically, the movie centers on 2 immigrants, criminals who decide to exploit the American legal system to make a profit after going on a planned murder spree. Close on their heels (but not close enough) are Ed Burns as a firefighter/arson investigator and Robert De Niro as a media savvy cop. This is the plot premise in a nutshell but the most intriguing focus of the film is how it looks at the media and legal system in America, showing how both can be used, distorted and twisted to a criminal's advantage - even after he is arrested. In this case, the rules of double jeopardy (no one being able to be tried for the same crime twice) are manipulated as the criminals bargain with their lawyers, talk show hosts and more to get the best "deal" and make the most profit. An intriguing premise, even if the director doesn't quite make it as believable as it could be. There's also a twist in this movie, involving De Niro, which I won't reveal here. I urge you to see this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Minute By Minute
Review: Right off the bat, I must say that the only reason I first checked out 15 Minutes at all, was because of Robert De Niro. When I saw the previews, I kept thinking, this looks like it's going to be a retread of Natural Born Killers. For the most part, that initial opinion, is confirmed. The film is watchable but wont really wow you as much as is promised.Two Easten European criminals arrive in America to pursue dreams of fame and fortune. They decide that, the fastest way to achieve their goal, is to go on a murderous crime spree. Convinced that even if they hide in plain sight and taunt officials they can get away with anything. As the crime wave begins, the case brings together veteran detective and media darling, Eddie Flemming (De Niro), and gung ho arson investigator, Jordy Warsaw (Edward Burns). These two men must learn to work with one another, in order to catch the deadly duo, before they kill again. Of course, in our media saturated society, these killings are just what tabloid anchor Robert Hawkins (Kelsey Grammer, in a nice role, other than on TV's Frasier) is looking for. Melina Kanakaredes plays Nicolette Karas, Flemming's girlfriend, and reporter. I am a big fan of director John Herzfeld's 2 Days In The Valley. Here though, as frenzied as the pace may seem, the story still plods along at times. Instead of a thought provoking thriller--things are quite static. The script disappoints because it misses a great opportunity to comment on the state of media today, and barely does any of that. The film's "twists" are very predictable and easy to spot from a mile away. De Niro and Burns or ok--even though De Niro doesn't seem as into it as Eddie does. As part of New Line's Infinifilm DVD line, 15 Minutes is loaded with extras, but as usual if the film is sub parr--getting through the added material may be tough. The audio commentary from Herzfeld is ok, but better realized is the subtitle-style trivia track. The deleted footage with director's comments, was wisley cut, and wouldn't have added much. The questions that I hoped the film would dive into, are discussed, in two documentaries called, "True Tabloid" and "Does Crime Really Pay?". All they are though is a bunch of talking heads, making the film, seem better than it is. You also to look at "Oleg's Video," which is actual video footage captured from actor Oleg Taktarov's perspective. This wears on you after about 5 seconds. The cast/crew interviews are fairly typical, a music video called "Fame" by the group God Lives Underwater, theatrical trailers, and a DVD-ROM Script-to-sceen option tops off the disc. Most of these bonus features can either be accessed, while watching the movie, in Infinifilm mode, or separately...it's your choice. Certain things about 15 minutes work, but, the whole still doesn't quite measure up to the sum of its parts. It's a movie of missed opportunity and saddled by a poor script
Rating: 
Summary: Wildly Uneven
Review: 3 stars may be a bit harsh for a movie with one of the most unsettling scenes I've seen, but the problem with the film is that it never becomes a whole. There's a conflict of tone that's never successfully resolved--director John Herzfeld wants to make a dark comedy full of satire aimed at Jerry Springer, Geraldo Rivera and the like; but he also wants to make a grisly, gritty action film filled with blood, murder, fire, and tragedy. These two aspects rub against one another uncomfortably, and although life may indeed be like that, the juxtaposition doesn't work well in this bit of art. The dichotomy plagues the work further: there is terrific imagery, some great acting, some terrific writing; there's also lots of very typical Hollywood run-of-the-mill work. De Niro, as one of the two protagonists, is superb until the writers feel it necessarly to give him a girlfriend. The other protagonist, played by Edward Burns, is the stereotypical young hothead, who in spite of being an ace fire inspector, can't control himself around other people. I must admit that the two villains are both terrific, in terms of both writing and acting; but a bit of clowning at the end really destroyed the effect of the final scene for me. If you do decide to see the movie--and in spite of my negative comments, the positive aspects of the film (especially the scene with De Niro and the two villians) make it worth viewing, be sure to stay tuned after the credits begin--Kelsey Grammer has a final bit that begins a minute or so into the credits.
Rating:
Summary: Take a look at this film ...
Review: If you didn't see this film in the theaters because you thought "Ehhh, looks very generic" you might want to give it a look on DVD. It is an original, innovative look at fame, the media, and ethics The film follows Burns' arson investigator, and DeNiro's cop (both in characteristically fine performances), and their attempts to catch two eastern bloc travelers who find out that America is great because nobody is held responsible for their actions and even those who become criminals can be famous. Thus, they commit crimes on videotape and give the tape to Grammar's sleazy tabloid show host and plan on making money with movie deals they hope will be offered for their case. The ramifications of these actions are then explored. This film really explores the aspects of one's "15 minutes" of fame in this modern world dominated by video and tabloid television. I thought I had never heard of writer/director John Herzfeld until I found in the disc's commentary that he directed the equally original "2 Days in the Valley." His use of the first person camera techniques of the criminals is in sharp contrast with the rest of the film and provides a solid realistic quality. Grammar's tabloid host is a smarmy character that he plays up quite nicely and it's nice to see him in an atypical role.The film is a nice blend of suspense thriller and story with an underlying message about the state media today. In th world where the line between the news media and tabloids has become blurred (think Gary Condit or OJ Simpson), this movie hits the tabloid phenomenon right on the money. The DVD is really great too. It has a fantastic menu screen that mimics a CNN Headline newscast complete with stock ticker and everything. The deleted scenes are actually fairly good yet Herzfeld's explanations for cutting them make a lot of sense. The disc also contains two very interesting mini-documentaries, one on the format of tabloid television, and one a roundtable discussion of how crime can pay and create fodder for the media. A music video and fact tracks are also included amongst still other features. This marks the first time I've seen an Infinifilm DVD release, and I must say that it contains a very nice collection of features. My recommendation is to take a look at this movie. It may surprise you as it did me. It didn't seem to get the audience it deserved in the theaters, but hopefully it will gain one on this fantastic DVD.
Rating:
Summary: Stays With You For About 15 Minutes
Review: An uneven attempt at social commentary, this John Herzfeld movie has its clever moments but doesn`t quite convince as a whole. "15 Minutes" tries to give a satirical look into the complex and not always pretty world of media business, showcasing how far journalists and media owners will go in order to get "relevant" information. Yes, in this day and age it`s difficult to qualify what`s information or just useless overexpure of viloence, drama and outrageous acts.
Today`s star-system is also hard to define, since those who are famous don`t always have much merit or special qualities that allow them to reach fame. Yes, even a murderer can turn into a superstar these days. This movie manages to analyse some of these ideas, but the mix of its elements is too contrived. At parts this seems a serious and in-depth story, in other scenes it turns into a middle-of-the-road action-movie and in a couple of times it approaches comedy territory. The two villains are stereotypical and one-dimensional, being mean and gruesome just because the plot wants them to. Robert DeNiro and Edward Burns are fine in their roles, even if their characters break no new ground and instead stick to cliched archetypes. The direction is fluid and interesting, yet the pacing is full of highs and lows.
"15 Minutes" is an hit-and-miss effort, an entertaining enough cinematic experience that could have gone further if it dared to step into more risky zones. As it is, it still deserves its 15 minutes of fame but is far from remarkable. Flawed but watchable.
Rating: 
Summary: I don't want my 15 Minutes, after watching this film!!!
Review: 15 minutes is all it will take for the watcher to realize that this movie is something special. The premise of this movie is different from any other Cop/Crime drama that I have ever seen. Mainly the portrayal of the two villians who give both a halariously humorous performance but at the same time an extremely brutal and psychotic performance. Quite different. Of course Robert De Niro is brilliant as always and Ed Burns isn't bad either. The stand out performance has to be with Kelsey Grammer who gives a drastically different performance leaving comedy behind to play a really despicable reporter who does some very unspeakable things in the name of news. The social commentary is also very interesting bringing to our attention the way the media portrays the villians in our society and the double edged sword of fame. The results in 15 Minutes is a heart pounding ride through twisted circumstances and political correctness gone off the deep end. I felt close with the characters and deeply disturbed by the certain actions (which I won't give away) by the two psychos against the protagonists. Very unexpected and shocking. I was entertained from beginning to end and didn't feel a dull moment. I highly recommend this film. DVD includes a ton of special features and is great in anamorphic widescreen.
Rating:
Summary: Take a look at this film ...
Review: If you didn't see this film in the theaters because you thought "Ehhh, looks very generic" you might want to give it a look on DVD. It is an original, innovative look at fame, the media, and ethics The film follows Burns' arson investigator, and DeNiro's cop (both in characteristically fine performances), and their attempts to catch two eastern bloc travelers who find out that America is great because nobody is held responsible for their actions and even those who become criminals can be famous. Thus, they commit crimes on videotape and give the tape to Grammar's sleazy tabloid show host and plan on making money with movie deals they hope will be offered for their case. The ramifications of these actions are then explored. This film really explores the aspects of one's "15 minutes" of fame in this modern world dominated by video and tabloid television. I thought I had never heard of writer/director John Herzfeld until I found in the disc's commentary that he directed the equally original "2 Days in the Valley." His use of the first person camera techniques of the criminals is in sharp contrast with the rest of the film and provides a solid realistic quality. Grammar's tabloid host is a smarmy character that he plays up quite nicely and it's nice to see him in an atypical role.The film is a nice blend of suspense thriller and story with an underlying message about the state media today. In th world where the line between the news media and tabloids has become blurred (think Gary Condit or OJ Simpson), this movie hits the tabloid phenomenon right on the money. The DVD is really great too. It has a fantastic menu screen that mimics a CNN Headline newscast complete with stock ticker and everything. The deleted scenes are actually fairly good yet Herzfeld's explanations for cutting them make a lot of sense. The disc also contains two very interesting mini-documentaries, one on the format of tabloid television, and one a roundtable discussion of how crime can pay and create fodder for the media. A music video and fact tracks are also included amongst still other features. This marks the first time I've seen an Infinifilm DVD release, and I must say that it contains a very nice collection of features. My recommendation is to take a look at this movie. It may surprise you as it did me. It didn't seem to get the audience it deserved in the theaters, but hopefully it will gain one on this fantastic DVD.
Rating:
Summary: FAME AND ITS FORTUNES
Review: You see it in the tabloid tv shows such as Roseanne, Maury Povich, you name them. As in this film, a family humiliates themselves in front of millions all for that fifteen minutes of fame; singers appear on American Idol and disappear into the mediocrity of their fame, having had that 15 minutes. In this movie, a tv anchorman sinks to new depths to acquire a disgusting videotape of a cop's murder, not realizing that by letting the villains get away, he endorses further murders. All in the name of fame.
We all know that the media has little conscience in its attempts to one up each other, to get the "big story" first; to spread lies and rumors. In this movie, a petty thief who attempts to rob one of the characters is suddenly a hero because the arson investigator handcuffed him to a tree and forgot about him. The "victim" was assaulted by a bag lady and pissed on by a dog, and now he's a hero in the light of the media. Everything that's done is done to manage the impression of what the world thinks of us.
This message is brought home in expert fashion in John Herzfeld's compelling 15 MINUTES.
Robert DeNiro plays a homicide detective who has used the media to its best advantage, and he knows it; Edward Burns is an idealistic young arson investigator who joins in on the investigation of the brutal murder of an immigrant couple; Kelsey Grammer is the acerbic and selfish newscaster; Melina Kanakaredes is the love of DeNiro's life, a news journalist who fears for DeNiro's safety. Capable and strong performances from these actors lay the background for the movie's two most impressive performances: Karel Roden and Oleg Taktarov as the criminals Emil and Oleg; their cold cruelty is frightening; Oleg's fascination with film-making is both comedic and tragic, and the resonance of their performances underscores the other actor's performances as well.
There may be inconsistencies in the plot; there may be some derivative touches, but I found myself glued to the screen and awed by the message this powerful movie sends.
Rating:
Summary: Stays With You For About 15 Minutes
Review: An uneven attempt at social commentary, this John Herzfeld movie has its clever moments but doesn`t quite convince as a whole. "15 Minutes" tries to give a satirical look into the complex and not always pretty world of media business, showcasing how far journalists and media owners will go in order to get "relevant" information. Yes, in this day and age it`s difficult to qualify what`s information or just useless overexpure of viloence, drama and outrageous acts.
Today`s star-system is also hard to define, since those who are famous don`t always have much merit or special qualities that allow them to reach fame. Yes, even a murderer can turn into a superstar these days. This movie manages to analyse some of these ideas, but the mix of its elements is too contrived. At parts this seems a serious and in-depth story, in other scenes it turns into a middle-of-the-road action-movie and in a couple of times it approaches comedy territory. The two villains are stereotypical and one-dimensional, being mean and gruesome just because the plot wants them to. Robert DeNiro and Edward Burns are fine in their roles, even if their characters break no new ground and instead stick to cliched archetypes. The direction is fluid and interesting, yet the pacing is full of highs and lows.
"15 Minutes" is an hit-and-miss effort, an entertaining enough cinematic experience that could have gone further if it dared to step into more risky zones. As it is, it still deserves its 15 minutes of fame but is far from remarkable. Flawed but watchable.
Rating:
Summary: A timely self reflection on mass media
Review: This movie is better than what I had expected. Featuring Robert DeNiro (although he played a relatively small part in the movie), it is a Hollywood self-reflection on the relationship between mass media and the society. Two Czech people wanted to become fame in America and the way to choose was by committing serial homicides, capturing the process by a hand-held camera and then sold the film to TV news station for a large sums as a top story. On several occasions, the director reminded the audience that the movie was just a factitious event in itself as well, trying to lower down the overall tone on the accusation. Nonetheless, this is somewhat in contrast to the overall power of the film as the director tried to tell the story in a realistic manner. Overall, the movie delivers the message and has a strong point on the sex and violence coverage of the mass media.
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