Rating: 
Summary: "Diamond" Find
Review: Warning: this is a character study. Those viewers interested in mindless explosions and frenetic car chase sequences need not apply."Diamond Men" is a fascination, with equal parts drawn from the themes explored in such films as "Tin Men" and "The Color of Money." That this film didn't find a larger audience is a mystery. Robert Forster is stunning in his role as Eddie Miller, an aging diamond salesman who suffers a heart attack. In his quest to keep his employment after recovering, Eddie is relegated to training a young upstart (played with reasonable appeal by Donnie Wahlberg). However, Eddie eventually realizes that he has as much to learn about life from his cocky protege, and this is where the film makes some surprising and wonderful turns as a side trip to a local bordello masquerading as a simple massage parlor changes both of their lives ... for the better. Still, what makes "Diamond Men" work is the artistry of Forster. He inhabits the body of Eddie Miller with a grace and ease reserved for veteran actors, the likes of which Paul Newman, Tom Hanks, and Al Pacino normally get. Forster -- almost the 'odd man out' in selection -- gives a tour de force performance from the film's first few scenes all the way down to his wry smile in the conclusion. Wahlberg, the young upstart, plays the young upstart convincing. Jasmine Guy is on board, reaching nice marks as the 'madame' of the massage parlor. And Bess Armstrong -- along for the ride as a masseuse with a past she's trying to forget -- gets wonderful mileage out of only a handful of underwritten but crucial scenes. All in all, this is one well paced acting package. Occasionally, the cinematography is a bit off, with some characters being partially chopped off the screen, but such minor flaws are easily dismissed. The film contains a few scenes that could've been edited for better pacing, and -- as already mentioned -- Armstrong's role was far too small for my liking: she leaves you with just a hint of 'the woman who was,' wanting to know so much more. Still, it's hard to dismiss that "Diamond Men" remains a gem.
Rating:
Summary: Pleasant suprise!!
Review: Wow. I had no expectations going in to this movie. I rented it on the strength of some reviews on the DVD cover. That's always a dicey prospect, but the reviews were by large publications that I've actually heard of, so I gave it a go.
What an honest, perfectly acted little movie! Donnie Wahlberg is really good as the hotshot new employee about to replace the "older guy". But the anchor is Robert Forster. His acting is so good that it's like watching a person you're friends with. I can't say enough about this natural, real and heartfelt performance. Kudos to everyone involved in this entertaining, well-acted film.
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