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Montana (1998)
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by Sony Pictures
Sales Rank: 23950
Price: $19.98
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"Montana," is an entertaining and refreshingly different type of crime drama. I personally liked this film. Director Jennifer Leitzes did an excellent job of bringing in just enough elements into this wonderfully off-beat and obscure film to keep it original. Moreover, she directed it in a way that prevented it from becoming bloated like so many other crime-dramas. The film stars two primary protagonists, Clair (Kyra Sedgwick) as the long time hit woman and close confidant of the crime boss, known simply as, 'The Boss'(Robbie Coltrane). And the films other protagonist, Nick, (Stanley Tucci) who is Clair's partner in this group of professional hit men. Nick is an ailing hit man, but he is still dangerous, and he portrays a known gunman no one would want to cross. Nick has a well-deserved reputation, and for this, both he and Clair are usually given the toughest, and most important jobs in the organization. Which in turn make some of their fellow hit men a bit envious. [Stanley Tucci gives a great performance as usual in the film] <br /> <br />Which lead us to the films primary antagonist, Duncan, (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Problems begin to arise when this new assistant to The Boss---Duncan, plays all sides against each other in this crime drama. Duncan is responsible for the book-keeping, and has made the outfit a bit more profitable. But he is also out of place in the organization. Neither Clair, nor Nick trust Duncan. Furthermore, Duncan attempts to divide all of the hit men against each other seem to be working: For he has plans of his own, and he does this by planting seeds of doubt into the Boss's head about Clair and Nick. Things do not go well for this hit man duo when something strange happens to the Bosses son Jimmy (Ethan Embry). Clair was supposed to keep a watch on the Bosses son, and keep him out of trouble, as he is always getting into hot water--but it is due to Duncan's interference that the Boss suspects his two best hit men of betraying him. Even though they have always been loyal. Why does the boss suspect his two best hit men? And what happens to Jimmy that causes the boss to go beserk and suspect them? Clair and Nick know that they are in for a tough time. <br /> <br />What is about to ensue is double dealing, back stabbing, and outright lying, which will pit Clair and Nick up against the Boss's entire organization. To the glee I might add of Duncan. [Philip Seymour Hoffman portrays his role very convincingly and gives a great acting performance in the film]. Meanwhile, with gunmen after them, both Clair and Nick try and get to the Boss to explain what has happened. This in turn begins a roller coaster shoot out with the other hit men, where loyalties and trust become twisted. Unknown to The Boss, his assistant, Duncan, has been scheming behind his back with his worst rival in the criminal underground. Will Clair and Nick succeed? Or will Duncan become the next head boss? This crime-drama is terrifically written, and the characters in the film--especially Kyra Sedgwick, give outstanding performances. Also, John Ritter gives a small performance in the film, and it was odd to see the type of character [bad guy] in the film. His was probably the weakest character in the film. Other than that, I recommend this film. And while I happen to like this film, I would also recommend that you rent it first. [Stars: 4.5]
Viewer Reviews
There are many weak moments here, in writing, acting and directing. At first the script is decent and the actors ok, but the director was bringing nothing to the table. Then the writing and acting start to falter, but the director begins warming to his task (maybe realizing this film has NO HEART) and tries to spice things up with a few nice shots and starts blocking scenes more wisely. By the end, however, the mish-mash nature of it all took me nowhere.
There's not one character to care about, which is what makes crime dramadies worth seeing: feeling for people you normally could not. But here everyone is unsavory and if I don't like even one character, why should I care what happens to them? [spoiler coming] That they all die but one or two makes it even less pleasant.
The only highlights for me were Hoffman and Ritter, both of whom excel as sleazy bastards, and add some of the only relief, comic or otherwise, in this film. Sedgwick is weak and unconvincing and Tucci is better but still merely competent. Their romance has no spark and feels posed.
There are many many better movies of this sort around. Watch one of them instead.
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Montana (1998)
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