Review of The Way of the Gun (2000) by Trung — 02 Jun 2008
This movie moves in and out of being incredible and just "ok." With some fantastic character development, decent setups, moral dilemmas and strained motives that we, the audience, are left to decipher "The Way Of The Gun" proves to be a very smart film filled with some great surprises and great characters.
Benicio Del Toro and Ryan Phillippe are fantastic in their roles. I have always enjoyed Del Toro's work and was surprised at how much Phillippe held his own next to him. James Caan was also amazing playing a grizzled old "bagman" with words of wisdom to be imparted on our erstwhile protagonists. I am pushing it using the word "protagonist" here, but you be the judge.
Taye Diggs was great and Juliette Lewis played her part very well.
Note too that there is no character in here just for the sake of filler. Each proves to be essential. One, you will note, has about ten lines or so...listen to those lines carefully because they prove to be integral to the plotline.
The movie itself leaves a lot of questions at the end even in answering some.
The gunplay is fierce and there is a lot of violence, but more in a Tarantino mock up where it feels real and not overly sensational (even note the two main characters have "Mr." in front of their names throughout reminding us of "Reservoir Dogs").
This is a gritty, pulp noir film that will definitely take you if you let it. It is disturbing in some parts and may even make you feel a little dirty.
Me...I like it dirty.
This review of The Way of the Gun (2000) was written by Trung on 02 Jun 2008.
The Way of the Gun has generally received mixed reviews.
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