Brian
DePalma follows up the Tom Cruise blockbuster Mission Impossible with this muddled
mess that only offers hints of brilliance.
Nicolas
Cage, in an over the top performance, is a naughty New Jersey detective investigating
a political assassination at a boxing match. A highlight of Snake Eyes is the
first eighteen minutes, which is one continuous steadicam shot that will knock
your socks off. In fact, much of this film is shot in a seamless style that is
quite impressive.
The
problem is that David Koepp's screenplay never seems to rise above the absurd.
That leaves Snake Eyes depending on great direction and winning performances.
Unfortunately, DePalma is only partially up to the task. The usually dependable
Cage and Gary Sinise are not memorable at all.
If
you want to see DePalma at his best, take an entire day off work, and rent Carrie,
Blow Out, The Untouchables, Scarface, Carlito's Way and Mission Impossible. These
are all exceptional works from a talented film maker. And take heart Mr. DePalma,
Snake Eyes isn't your worst film. That dubious honor goes to Body Double.
