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FT. LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL FILM FEST- Mini Reviews
(www.fliff.com)
By John Delia

The following are quick reviews and descriptions of some of the films playing at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival in the coming weeks. Please consult HYPERLINK "http://WWW.FLIFF.COM" WWW.FLIFF.COM for more information as to prices, locations and time of screenings.

KASSIM THE DREAM
Directed By: Kief Davidson
One of the most shattering documentaries at this year's FLIFF, Kassim the Dream brings viewers into the world of Ugandan-born boxer Kassim Ouma, the 29-year-old former Int'l Boxing Federation light-middleweight champion, and his struggle with his deadly past. Abducted from school at the age of 6 and forced to become a child soldier, Ouma fought in the National Resistance Army during Uganda's harrowing “bush war” in the 80's, engaging in brutal acts that still haunt him to this day. Later, he discovered boxing and fled for the U.S. to try his hand at going pro. Since then, under the tutelage of his manager Tom Moran (whom he affectionately calls “Uncle Tom”), Ouma has become not only a renowned athlete but also an outspoken advocate for African issues.
FINAL ANALYSIS: The amazing cinematography and heartfelt story are worth a look. (4 of 5 stars) Runs October 29

CAIO BELLA
Directed By: Mani Masserat-Aghat
Mustafa, a Swede of Iranian descent is sixteen years old and his most intense wish is to lose his virginity. But all the girls at home in Gothenburg's middle class suburbia seem to think of him as a kind and considerate “nice enough Turk” and “just a friend” and prospects look bad… until the day he accidentally stumbles upon the opportunity of a lifetime. When Mustafa travels to Gothenburg's summer youth soccer tournament with his high school team, a clever series of events results in him playing on the Italian side. The confident, attractive Italians attract gaggles of gorgeous Swedish girls. Renamed Massimo by teammate Enrico, Mustafa is transformed into a Latin lover.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Well acted, the coming of age storyline makes the film enjoyable to watch. (3.5 of 5 stars) October 29 and October 30

OCEAN
Directed By: Mikhail Kosyrev – Nesterov
At a small fishing village on the shores of Cuba Joel, the oldest brother in the traditional fisherman family is deeply in love with Marisel. By chance, Joel learns that his fiancé got married to someone her family prefers. Heartbroken he moves to Havana. Full of hope to find a new life, he is impatient to try his luck in the big city, only to discover more betrayals and disappointments. Tragic confrontation leads to Joel's fall from the grace bringing even more drama into his young life.
FINAL ANALYSIS: This Russian made Cuban film is both heartfelt and tragic. It reminded me of the exasperation exhibited in City of God. (3 of 5 stars) October 29 and October 30

CAPERS
Directed By: Julian Mark Kheel
Three teams of criminals share the same Brooklyn block, but each exists in a separate genre of film. The Amateurs are trapped in a 1970's anti-hero movie. The Sputniks live in black and white. The Moolies can't escape their rap video life. But they all share a hatred of Connie, a racist local pawn shop owner and mafia widow. So when Connie has a heart attack, each team decides it's time to find out what's inside her legendary safe. Unfortunately they all plan their big score for the same night...
FINAL ANALYSIS: My pick for best comedy in the festival. Capers pulls out all the stops for laughs and chaos. (5 of 5 stars) November 1

LOST EVERYTHING
Directed By: Kim St. Leon
A closeted movie star arrives in Miami, and immediately begins a steamy love affair with a hot South Beach bartender. His manager tries to “protect” his image by running interference against the reporter hell-bent on outing her client. A happy gay couple faces a televangelist, as a tormented hit man observes them from afar. A glammed-up Diva Crime-boss, and a hooker with a heart of gold complete this multi plot line thriller. As the storylines begin to cross and spiral out of control, lives begin to unravel and sizzle in the scorching, South Florida sun. Lost Everything is a controversial, multi-plot line thriller that takes you on a ninety minute roller coaster ride of celebrity outing, deception, and undying love against all odds. Some people will do anything… to keep the things they have.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Probably the most intriguing and thought provoking film in the festival. (4 of 5 stars) November 1

TERROR INSIDE
Directed By Jozef Lenders
A well driller unearths a strange substance that changes the lives of everyone in the small town of Montverde. Townsfolk are unaware as they are exposed to the primordial virus. The illness alters each victim's deepest instincts for survival and reverses their sense of pain and pleasure. Fear takes hold, as love becomes hate with bloody consequences. As university researchers fall ill an opportunity for profiteers brings more danger to the small town. A handful of survivors must fight more than just the disease to stay alive.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Slips in directing, a weak gory storyline and amateur acting, make the film hard to watch. (1 of 5 stars) November 2

SATELLITES & METEORITES
Directed By: Rick Larkin
A quirky love story set in the subconscious imagination of two coma patients after a car accident in which they were both involved. Having never met prior to the accident, Daniel and Lucinda literally have a meeting of minds as they start down the windy road of romance, however, when the hospital where they both lie asleep tries to wake them up, they have to fight to stay in their dream, and to stay together.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A different kind of love story with a heavenly twist. (3.5 of 5 stars) November 3

TAOS
Directed By: Brandon Schmid
John works round-the-clock as a corporate attorney in a large Washington D.C. law firm, trading his nights and weekends for extra cash and the promise of a secure future. Lyndsey, John's girlfriend, wants more. She's blue-blood, well-bred and has plans for John as soon as he accepts a job with her father's bank. On his way to Aspen for her family's Christmas holidays, John's car breaks down alongside a lonely highway in northern New Mexico. Stranded in Taos for repairs, old wounds surface and new perspectives emerge as John gets caught up in the events of the mystical town. Lost in the high mesa of the desert southwest – where life finds its balance – John must decide if dreams can truly become reality.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Although a good plot with fair acting, the film seems to play out in slow motion. (2 of 5 stars) November 5

PLAY THE GAME
Directed By: Mark Fienberg
A ladies' man, David (Paul Campbell), teaches his dating tricks to his lonely, widowed grandfather Joe (Andy Griffith). But as David's games begin to fail him, Grandpa quickly transforms into the Don Juan of the retirement community. Slowly, the teacher becomes the student, and it's up to Grandpa to teach David that the best way to win the game of love is not to play games at all. But both David and Grandpa may have met their match in more ways than one…
Andy Griffith and Paul Campbell have great chemistry and look like they had a lot of fun making the film.
FINAL ANALYSIS: The festival saves a great one for the final week with this touching comedy. Andy Griffith still has it with a heart-warming performance at 82 years of age. (4.5 of 5) November 5 and November 6

I DO AND I DON’T
Directed By: Steve Blair
Three weeks before their wedding, Bob and Cheryl discover they have not taken the pre-marital classes required by their Catholic church. Their pastor arranges private classes for them with the Stelmacks, a couple whose seventeen-year marriage is the definition of dysfunctional lunacy. Unfortunately the Stelmacks are determined to enlighten them, and encourage indiscriminate “sharing.” As the wedding approaches, Bob and Cheryl's emotional and physical scars accumulate.
FINAL ANALYSIS: The funny little romantic comedy shows well on the big screen. I loved all the screw-ups by the groom. (3.5 of 5 stars) November 7 and November 8

FLING
Directed By: John Stewart Muller
By all appearances, Samantha and Mason are the picture perfect couple: young, attractive, successful and madly in love. At her sister's idyllic spring wedding, Samantha finds herself irresistibly drawn back into the arms of her dashing ex-boyfriend. Meanwhile, Mason barely thwarts the flirtatious advances of his best friend's 18-year-old sister. But when Samantha confesses her affair, Mason's reaction is not quite what you would expect. So begins "Fling", a lively, sexy and provocative exploration of young adults navigating the hazards of an open relationship.
FINAL ANALYSIS: This modern love story has a great plot, wonderful actors and a 90’s romantically tragic ending. (4 of 5 stars) November 7


THE MAP READER
Directed By: Harold Brodie
Sixteen-year-old Michael escapes the realities of his small-town New Zealand life by immersing himself within a world of maps. Yet his seemingly happy isolation is broken by the serendipitous arrival of two young women into his life. Mary is twenty and blind from birth, on the verge of voyaging into the world on her own. Alison is Michael's peer, whose grace betrays darker secrets. Suspended beside it all is Michael's single mother Amelia, who cherishes her son, while simultaneously pushing him away.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A charming coming of age film that has excellent acting and direction. (4 of 5 stars) November 8

STRENGTH AND HONOR
Directed By: Mark Mahon
The story of an Irish-American boxer, Sean Kelleher, who accidentally kills his friend in the ring, promises his wife that he will never box again. However, years later, circumstances force him to take back that promise in order to save everything he loves.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Great character build up, a good story and impressive acting make this heart wrenching film a winner. (4.5 of 5 stars) November 8 and November 9

PANTS ON FIRE
Directed By: Colin Campbell
Brad Spoofer is a compulsive liar who moved to LA to become a star. But he's a dismal failure. His only clam to fame comes with being an extra in movie Dusty Town. When his hometown buddies surprise him with a visit, he pretends to be the next big thing. Thanks to a housesitting gig in Bel Air, he keeps the lie going, until he foolishly claims to be friends with Pedro from Napoleon Dynamite. Now his friends want to meet their idol. Meanwhile, Brad's fallen for Lucy, a cute painter. As his lies multiply and his checks bounce, he has to dodge creditors, woo the girl, and somehow, deliver Pedro.
FINAL ANALYSIS: The running gags of Dusty Town, a couch that won’t fit through the door of his apartment, a bouncing check, a pirate gig and more, make this film a fun watch. (3 of 5) November 8.

BART GOT A ROOM
Directed By: Brian Hecker
"What other evening in your life is as big? Maybe your wedding, but odds are that's gonna end in divorce anyway," says Danny's best friend Craig as the two nerdy pals lounge poolside in the Florida community they call home. The night in question is the Prom, of course, and high school senior Danny Stein wants what any reasonable young man wants on prom night - to get to home plate with the perfect girl. He's got the hotel, the limo, and the tux, and his recently divorced, slightly dysfunctional parents are rooting for him. He's only missing one thing -- the girl.

FINAL ANALYSIS: A great closing night choice with witty performances by William H. Macy, Steven J. Kaplan, Cheryl Hines, and Alia Shawkat. This teenage angst film was shot entirely in Broward County with a lot of familiar locations. Don’t miss it. (5 of 5 stars) November 9 (Plays twice)

Film Lover’s Guide to the 2008 Ft Lauderdale Int’l Film Festival
By Denise Castillón
Renown in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest running film festival, the 23rd edition of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) kicks off October 15th and closes, one month later, on November 14th. Each year, this South Florida based film fest offers cinematic treasures that film lovers may or may not discover again on the “big screen”. Such a film to treasure, COYOTE, officially opens this festival, followed by a triumphant gala to finish the evening.

OPENING NIGHT FILM REVIEW:

COYOTE
Genre: Action /Thriller/Comedy
Running Time: 95 min
Language: English & Spanish w/ English sub-titles

The crime thriller, “Coyote” opens with intensity, and maintains a steady, suspenseful pace and farcical comedic tone throughout the film until its startling climatic ending. You can count on this film to keep you thoroughly entertained while taking you to the edge, and very nearly put its controversial immigrant issue out of your mind.

31 year-old Steve (BRIAN PETERSON) newly retired after selling his tech business, is bored. “I do nothing, now I feel it!” Meanwhile, his fiancée Katie (CARLEY ADAMS) prepares for their wedding, and his best friend/best man, Jay (BRETT SPACKMAN) toils as a vending machine re-stocker.

When Katie’s housekeeper’s son, Pablo, who has been living in the U.S. since he was five years old, gets deported after a traffic stop, Jay proposes to drive to Mexico and bring him back. Since Steve is Anglo, and he’s Mexican-American, Jay presumes they would be above suspicion while smuggling a hidden Pablo back across the border. Steve is attracted to Jay’s plan, both as a possible business opportunity and a high risk adventure.

While spending an enjoyable night over in Mexico with Pablo’s extended family, Jay finds his fluency in Spanish useful as he romantically pursues Mariana (MARIANE VALLE). The next morning, Steve and Jay successfully transport Pablo across the U.S. border and back into Nogales, Arizona for a celebratory barbeque and pool party.

Entrepreneurial Steve, with the belief providing safe passage across the border is an honorable service, proceeds to start this new business venture without regard of the illegality or danger. Together with Jay, he conducts further research on the best points of border entry and best operating techniques to fashion a “kinder, gentler people-smuggling business” with upgraded travel amenities for desert crossings.

Soon, Steve becomes more consumed with his people-smuggling business, than his wedding preparations, that he feels compelled to involve Katie in their profitable criminal operation as does Jay with Mariana.

Flush with easy money and success, Steve and Jay expand their venture, complete with a sales brochure touting tiered service levels. They never, however, consider the consequences of competing against unprincipled “Coyotes” or how long they could stay undetected by the U.S. border patrol or the possible harm that could come to their loved ones.

Filmmakers and production partners, Brian Peterson and Brett Spackman, skillfully play double duty assuming the lead roles, and are aptly supported by their co-stars, Carley Adams and Marina Valle.

Original script co-written by Brian Peterson and Brett Spackman, directed by Brian Peterson, cinematography by Robb Hanks, produced by Brett Spackman. A Side Street Production.

Screens on Friday, October 17th, 7:45pm at the Miniaci Theatre for the Performing Arts
HYPERLINK "http://themexicandream.com/coyote-trailer-1/"View Trailer for COYOTE

HYPERLINK "http://www.FLIFF.com" www.FLIFF.com

BLINDNESS

Starring: Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Alice Braga, Don McKellar, Yusuke Iseya, Yoshino Kimura and Gael Garcia Bernal

Directed by: Fernando Meirelles

R for violence including sexual assaults, language and sexuality/nudity

By John Delia

Although at first sight Blindness delivers a plot that has a chance to be engaging, engrossing and empathetic, but the film looses with uneven directing, incredulous scenes and an empty ending that spoils the show. If you are looking for a sci-fi thriller, you won’t find it with Blindness; it’s more like The Fog without the monsters.
A blindness creating virus of some sort (we really don’t ever find out what it is) affects an Asian man (Iseya) who spreads it to his wife (Kimura) and a thief (McKellar), who then spread it to innocent bystanders, and eventually to an eye doctor (Ruffalo) who infects his patients, and so on and so on until most of the city has the affliction. The blinded people are all carted off to a medical detention center for isolation from the rest of the city. While at the heavily guarded facility the inmates are separated into three groups, each with their own leader. When the food starts getting scarce, one of the factions steals the last shipment and holds it for ill gotten gain and perverted acts.
The film is spotted with famous faces like Sandra Oh (Sideways) as the Minister of Health who gets a minute of screen time with a walk down a corridor while telling the men following her the dilemma that has taken hold of the city. Danny Glover plays an old man with a black eye patch who shows up once or twice in the film and has fewer lines than he did in the movie Saw. Maybe they were not working at the time and they just wanted a chance to work under director Meirelle, because anyone could have played their meaningless parts.
The film does have some excellent talent, but in some cases it was wasted. Blindness features the fine actress Alice Braga (I am Legend) playing a frightened woman who wears sunglasses throughout the film even while she is getting raped. Not a great role to put in your resume. And then there is Maury Chaykin (Being Julia) play a ‘real’ blind man accountant caught up in the catastrophe who turns into a sadistic letch? The two are above and beyond that stage in their careers.
On the other hand, there is a saving grace in the film and it comes with the performances of Moore and Ruffalo, a married couple who find each other in a position of protecting themselves from all the evils that are being cast upon them. While Moore does a superb job pretending to be blind so she can look out for her husband, Ruffalo admirably takes on the role of the parasitic husband living off his wife’s ability to keep him fit and out of harms way. The two characters play off each other nicely showing the strength of their love even in the face of a pitiful act of lust.
The film contains violence including sexual assaults, language and sexuality/nudity, and should only be viewed by adults who are not easily sickened by visual adulteration.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Blindness looses sight of a potentially good plot with an unfulfilling ending. (1 of 5 stars)

THE GODFATHER: The Coppola Restoration Edition DVD

Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, James Caan, Lee Strassberg, Talia Shire, and Andy Garcia

Directed By Francis Ford Coppola

Rated R for violence and language

By John Delia

It has been years since The Godfather has been up on the big screen where it shines the most, and after it was released on DVD I purchased the set. Now the film has been fully restored to its original brilliant cinematography and in addition to the trilogy being available on ordinary DVD, is for the first time on Blu-ray Disc. The package has over 4-hours of supplemental material along with the three complete films. And, in conjunction with the release of the DVD, The Godfather I has been digitally remastered and will be playing at some of the local theatres around the country starting Friday, October 3. If you live in South Florida, the theatre showings will be at the Muvico Palace in Boca Raton, Florida.
Most everyone knows the saga of The Godfather as told in three separate movies, but to refresh your memory the following is a brief as possible description of all three episodes. The film centers on three phases of the lives of a New York Mafia family including Don Vito Corleone (Brando) the patriarch, Michael Corleone (Pacino) the son who becomes his heir to the ‘throne’ and the weakening of the New York criminal families.
In The Godfather Part I we are scooted ahead to a time where Don Vito Corleone is living in his guarded enclave and we get a glimpse of the family’s personal lives and their business. Here we become aware of each of the main characters including the Don’s three sons Sonny, Michael and Fredo who become the loyal soldiers under the godfather’s big business crime. During this period a lot of action takes place that keeps the central plot hot and interesting.
The Godfather Part II gives us flashbacks as we are treated to young Vito Corleone (DeNiro) who is eking out a living on the streets of New York in the heavy populated Italian section. During this period we see the rise of Vito to Don status and the power he gains over the community. This is where we obtain the pieces of writer Mario Puzo’s puzzle that magnifies the present day family as depicted in The Godfather Part I. This episode also show’s Michael’s rise in the family.
In The Godfather Part III all the loose ends of the two pervious films are tied together and Michael shows his power over rival New York crime lords. It may be the weakest of the three, but totally necessary to the overall story.
I love this story, the characters and the actors who portrayed them. It is probably the basis for all the future mafia related films that followed. Having this set provides hours of entertainment that cannot be found on this genre anywhere. If you are a collector of the best films ever, this trio should be in your library to replay whenever you want to enjoy a great crime drama. The Oscar winner for Best Picture for The Godfather Part I and Part II, if you have never seen this Trilogy, it’s a chance to see it in all its glory.
The bonus features that were on the previous trilogy release are included in this one, they feature commentary by Director Francis Ford Coppola, making of The Godfather, additional scenes, filming locations, the Corleone family tree (a must see after you seen I), the music of The Godfather (this is the thread that keeps you in focus during the trilogy), The Godfather historical timeline (a must after you have seen parts I and II), profiles of the characters (watch this after The Godfather I), photo galleries and storyboards (not that interesting and probably used for fill).
The new bonus features on the DVD with this release include; “Godfather World,” “the Masterpiece that Almost Wasn’t,” “When the Shooting Stopped,” “Emulsional Rescue Revealing The Godfather,” “The Godfather on the Red Carpet,” “Four Short Films on The Godfather,” “The Godfather vs. The Godfather Part II,” Cannoli, Riffing on the Riffing, and Clemenza.
Please note that the Blu-ray edition does contain a additional selection of Bonus features in HD including, a crime organizational chart, Connie and Carlo’s wedding album, behind the scenes, on location, Francis Coppola’s notebook, Coppola and Puzo on screenwriting, Gordon Willis on cinematography, and others.
The films do contain some strong violence, language and a scene of gory animal cruelty so please be cognizant when youngsters are present.

FINAL ANALYSIS: The Godfather is a brilliant trilogy that translates very nicely to DVD. (5 of 5 stars)

I SERVED THE KING OF ENGLAND
Language: Czech and German, with English subtitles; Running Time: 118 min; Rated: R
Reviewed by Denise Castillón

ENJOY THE ROYAL TREATMENT

This enchanting surreal comedy from the Czech Republic, I SERVED THE KING OF ENGLAND, recounts a man’s optimistic quest for wealth as a youth. Using rich visuals and absurd humor, clownish Jan Dite’s fantastic mission as revealed through flashbacks during significant historical and political times of the 1930’s and until after the end of WWII.

Oscar winning director, Jiri Menzel (Best Foreign Language film, “Closely Watched Trains”), was nominated at the 2007 Berlin International Film for the Golden Bear, and won their FIPRESCI Prize for the lengthy titled film. Charlie Chaplin and Jean Renoir may be Menzel’s cinematic influences, but Bohumil Hrabal, Czechoslovakia’s most prominent writer, is his storytelling inspiration. It’s worth noting that most of the late Hrabal’s writings have been made in to films.

The screenplay focuses on two parallel stories. The first follows the youthful and ambitious exploits of the childlike Jan Dite, occurring before the War and during the German occupation. He steady works his way up to becoming a millionaire in the luxury hotel industry with apprenticeships in upscale establishments for wealthy pleasure-seekers. An apolitical Jan, (IVAN BARNEV) falls hopelessly for a fanatical German Nationalist, Liza (JULIA JENTSCH), just as Czechoslovakia comes under German occupation. After their marriage, Liza is sent to serve on the Polish front, and Jan finds himself on the side of the occupying power and working at in a Nazi SS Research Hospital producing master race specimens from German girls and full-blooded Aryan warriors. Liza returns with a bag of valuable stamps left behind by “deported” Jews, and the couple look forward to building a hotel when the war is over.

In the second part, with the end of the war, Jan has been released from prison after being jailed for nearly 15 years for his millionaire status. The matured Jan (now played by Oldrich Kaiser) etches out a peaceful existence in abandoned German village with fellow exiled inhabitants. A young Bohemian woman revives his lust and his memories of his past romantic adventures.

Fine supportive performances by Marian Labuda as the enterprising businessman “Walden”, and Martin Huba as the regal “Maitre d' Skrivanek”.

Directed by Jiří Menzel, screenplay, based on the novel by Bohumil Hrabal, by Jiří Menzel. Cinematography directed by Jaromír Šofr, AČK, edited by Jiří Brožek. Production design by Milan Býček, costume design by Milan Čorba, and music by Aleš Březina. Produced by Rudolf Biermann, Executive producers are Robert Schaffer and Andrea Metcalfe (AQS). A co-production from Barrandov Studio and TV Nova. Released by Sony Pictures Classics.

BURN AFTER READING (Running Time: 96 min; Rated: R)
Reviewed by Denise Castillón
Mix one part screwball comedy and one part sex farce, and out pours this hilarious lightweight film. The Coen Brothers’ politically-themed comedy BURN AFTER READING exposes the antics of a group middle-aged Washingtonians as they undergo a variety of personal crises.

CIA analyst Osborne Cox (John Malkovich) has been ousted by the Agency. Incensed, he returns to his Georgetown home to work on his memoirs and his drinking. His uptight wife Katie (Tilda Swinton) responds frostily to his breakdown. In fact, it gives her cause to leave Cox for Harry (George Clooney), a married federal marshall and sex fanatic, with who she’s having an affair.

Linda (Frances McDormand), a lonely fitness center employee, is obsessed with cosmetic surgery and internet dating. Meanwhile, the gym’s manager Ted (Richard Jenkins) secretly pines for her. When a computer disc, containing the CIA analyst’s “secret stuff”, accidentally falls into Linda’s hands, she enlists co-worker and confidante, Chad (Brad Pitt) to join her in a lamebrain scheme to exploit their find. Unknowingly, the two knuckleheads set off a series of hilarious encounters. All the while, ominous forces at work propel events to spin further out of control.

Starring George Clooney, Frances McDormand, Brad Pitt, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton, Richard Jenkins.

Written, Produced and Directed by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen. Cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki, ASC, A.M.C. Edited by Roderick Jaynes. Executive Producers Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Robert Graf. Distribution by Focus Features.

RIGHTEOUS KILL

Starring: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, 50 Cent, Donnie Wahlberg and Carla Gugino

Directed By: Jon Avnet

R for violence, pervasive language, some sexuality and brief drug use.

By John Delia

As far as crime drama’s go, Righteous Kill is humdrum and ordinary. This film should have been made in the 80’s while the two main actors, De Niro and Pacino were in their prime. The film does nothing to showcase their talent. However, for those who just can’t get enough of the two actors, this film would be a good choice.
The plot involves partner detectives Turk (De Niro) and Rooster (Pacino) on the New York City police force who realize that a killing they are investigating may be the work of a serial killer who leaves poetry with their victims. The two above reproach detectives have been working together for 30 years and have seen many such crimes, but this one seems to point to a member of their precinct. The oddity with this case is that each of the killings tends to be at the hands of a vigilante who has singled out victims that have come in contact with Turk and Rooster. When Perez and Riley, two fellow detectives get the impression that Turk may be their killer, they put all their efforts into bringing him down.
The film has some good things going for it including the stunning performance by Gugino (Spy Kids, Sin City, American Gangster) as the over the top tough as nails detective Corelli who gets her kicks out of masochistic love play. The ferocity she lends her character steals the show from the De Niro and Pacino.
As far as De Niro and Pacino go, I believe that it is a little to late to be pairing up and with the trivial script it made it even worse. If they had done something more their age in the fashion of The Bucket List with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, it would have been more enjoyable to see the two going at it on the screen. Most audiences today are craving strong performances from their “A” list stars, and individually (De Niro in Meet the Fockers in 2004 and Pacino in Any Given Sunday in 1999) you would have to go back several years in order to find their peak. They are icons in the film industry, but are sorely miscast for Righteous Kill.
But you can’t blame acting for the failure of the film, it mostly stems from the predictable plot. With so much pending on it’s revealing finish, the writer failed to realize that his prospective audience is educated adults who should be able to figure it out midway through the hour and forty minute film.
The film contains some drug use, sex and brutality so be cautioned when allowing your under 17s to attend the showing.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Unless you really want to see De Niro and Pacino together in a film, there’s not much here to challenge your mind.