The Spanish Prisoner
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Movie Reviews of The Spanish Prisoner
Movie Review: OFFBEAT AND CAPTIVATING, BUT SOME LOGIC MAY HAVE HELPED
Summary: 4 Stars
I can see why this very well made film ranks at roughly a 3 out of 5 on Amazon. It's very stylishly done, no doubt, and it will keep you on the edge of your sofa all the way through. But it also sports some yawning plot holes. The central premise hinges on an inventor keeping a SOLE copy of his proof-of-concept in his safe behind a picture, with no other copies, and still thinking that it's alright to carry this in his armpits to a public park. As though this were not enough, the FBI then finds exactly the same kind of a notebook to pull off a spoof. Finally, it's perhaps alright to drive a knife into someone without worrying about fingerprints. How's that for a plot hole.
Fortunately, the screenplay, the music and the occasionally thrilling dialogue save the day. On balance, an entertaining flick. Besides, it's one of the few suspenseful movies with a PG rating, so the entire family could watch it too.
Recommended rental.
Movie Review: Interesting.
Summary: 4 Stars
If you liked "The Usual Suspects," you might enjoy this film. You won't find violence or strong language, just an interesting plot. Steve Martin pulls off the serious role of Jimmy Dell surprisingly well, considering his comedic background. I admit, I kept expecting him to crack jokes throughout the film. Campell Scott was convincing enough, though I am admittantly not a fan of Rebecca Pidgeon.
This film is more suspenseful than anything, and does leave more than a few "but how...?" questions in the mind of the viewer once the credits roll. A second viewing is helpful in picking up those "clues" one often misses the first time through.
Still, it's worth the rental. I'd advise against buying until you've seen it, however, as it's not the sort of film I could sit and watch often.
Movie Review: The Spanish Prisoner
Summary: 4 Stars
Imagine for a moment you have invented a unique method to do business that will net your company billions. This process however must be kept secret because if the competition finds out your company will lose the edge on the lucrative front end. Such is the case for the inventor played by Campbell Scott. Not only are there con men and corporate spies, but even his own company seems to be out to get the best of him. Well written, casted, directed, with fine cinematography and music. If you enjoy this catch Echelon Conspiracy.
CA Luster
Movie Review: Starts off slow...
Summary: 4 Stars
The Spanish Prisoner is a classic suspense story. It fits in with some of the great storylines from Hitchcock. A poor, trusting guy gets duped and taken for all he's worth. Just when you think there's no possible way for him to get out of trouble, it all works out. Tied up in a nice little bow at the end. Delicious. The story starts off a bit on the slow side, which I've found to be typical of David Mamet. But once it gets going, the action and suspense are amazing. I was also impressed with Steve Martin's performance. Is there anything that man can't do?Movie Review: Suspenseful, intriguing, well crafted
Summary: 4 Stars
TThe Spanish Prisoner is well made. Like most mysteries, puzzlers, and lovers, the subsequent viewings are not as good as the first. But the interest drops from sufficiently high levels to make this movie worth the price and time. Seen the second time, the hints seem obvious, but Mamet has made the atmosphere so creepy that the feel of the movie, as well as the acting, is even more fascinating. The movie gets a 5, the DVD a 3.5 for lack of features (A Mamet feature-length commentary would have iced the cake.), though the video quality was great.