Body Count (1998)

Absolutely amazing

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

The movie itself is not bad. An art robbery gone wrong, four delinquents on the run to (where else?) Miami. Once they have to be together 24/7 it shows that the main figures have a homicidial tendency towards each other. Especially drug-crazed Chino & driver Hobbs clash more often than not. A good opportunity for David Caruso to show the wide range of his acting talent, which comes here much more to life than as H. Caine in CSI. Was this movies ever shown on the silver screen or did it go straight to video-sales? Unfortunately, some-one in actor-heaven seems to hate Caruso - otherwise it would have been a box-office success after its first showing.

"Body Count" copies "Reservoir Dogs" so closely that it's a wonder Tarantino didn't sue its makers (or maybe he was simply flattered). The plot (concerning the aftermath of a daring art museum heist, which we only see in flashbacks), the irrelevant/"philosophical" dialogue, the violent, constantly sparring partners-in-crime....NOTHING is fresh in this movie, everything feels forced, tired and second-hand. The characters are extraordinarily stupid; they are supposed to be these big-shot criminals but they behave in the most unprofessional manner possible, doing everything they can to screw up their own plans. Still, the film is not unwatchable; John Lequizamo does a good job of playing a complete sleazebag, and there are a couple of twists at the end. As for the rest of the cast, Ving Rhames keeps his dignity but the great Forest Whitaker is wasted and David Caruso and (especially) Linda Fiorentino are awful. (**)

Personally I enjoyed this one, it did seem to bear a very close line to Below Utopia which both are aka Body Count, which doesnt render my opinion negative. It is a story of art thieves whose mission has gone slightly awry. They pic up a beautiful hitchiker who is wise to the game. Have to deal with internal strife while trying to make it to the buyer. It like anything else is not for everyone, but one doesnt know if they will like it until they see it.

The Split is a surprisingly interesting thriller. It has a great plot, unique characters and terrific dialogues. Although entertaining, the film has extremely violent and shocking scenes (like in the one in which Leguizamo destroys Caruso's character), but that was necessary, in order to show the brutality and cruelty of every one of the main characters. Ving Rhames, who was great in Don King, has a small, but memorable role, and Leguizamo gives the movie's outstanding performance, it's sad to see this actor, who has great dramatic capacity, making bad comedies, but in The Split, he had the chance to deliver his very best.Caruso comes out well, but the trailer of the film passes the idea that he is the leading actor on the film, but he isn't, he has just a supporting, although good, part. Finally, I recommend this thriller.