The Way of the Gun (2000)

Boring

A lot more amusing than I thought it would be.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

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

Basically this movie is fine. It has one thing that bothered me the entire movie and that is, absolutely everyone in the movie is absurdly relaxed and "cool". Other than that this is a typical action movie with some very fun gun scenes.

Well I don't really have much to say about these clever-clever twisty thrillers so I'll keep my review short. THE WAY OF THE GUN is a mixed bag. On one hand you have an overly labyrinthine plot which keeps piling on the characters and layers, causing the audience to stay on its toes at every moment to keep track of what's going on. Characters are not introduced and sometimes their motives not explained clearly, like what the heck was Geoffrey Lewis doing and who was he? I'm sure it was explained somewhere in the film but on casual viewing its easy to miss.Another flaw is that the two "heroes" of the film are a detestable pair, so its difficult to care whether they get killed or not during the film's course. Both are cold-blooded killers and kidnappers, only in it for themselves, lacking any moral scruples whatsoever. Now I know this worked with stuff like RESERVOIR DOGS but their characters just aren't as interesting in this film. And what is it with the opening? The over-the-top use of bad language isn't funny, just offensive and a good way to lose viewers right from the start.Right, after that little rant, we come to the good points. Firstly the ensemble cast, with Ryan Philippe, Benicio del Toro, James Caan, Geoffrey Lewis, Juliette Lewis, Taye Diggs, Scott Wilson and others all putting in strong performances in their respective roles. Watching these actors emote is half the fun and its not often so many individual acting styles cross in a single movie. Secondly, the movie is unpredictable and often grittily realistic. The action sequences are also well-choreographed, culminating in a huge epic bloody shoot-out which owes a nod to THE WILD BUNCH but is enjoyable in its own right, with lots of blood squibs exploding and stylish deaths. Check out that moment where Philippe jumps into the 'empty' fountain - one of the best throwaway shock/painful moments I've seen in a film in a while. Despite the fact that I'm not really a fan of modern movies in which the characters are arrogant and unlikeable, and that this appears to be geared towards a teen market, THE WAY OF THE GUN is an interesting film which is worthwhile if you're looking for something a little different. It just won't set your world on fire.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and Christopher McQuarrie is obviously attempting to be Quentin Tarantino; he isn't close. A great cast is wasted by a convoluted story. Benicio del Toro is Longbaugh and Ryan Phillippe is Parker, and the pair travel together, scheming to separate people from their money. They hear about a surrogate mother carrying the future offspring of a rich guy and so they kidnap her in a shootout with her bodyguards. They demand $15 million to safely return the mother. It shifts to Mexico where the kidnappers are offered $1 million by Joe Sarno(James Caan), a go between, to walk away from the situation unharmed. The Mexican police become part of the program and we get more shootouts, some torture and a finale that looks like Peckinpah. The result is an o.k. crime drama; but don't expect Reservoir Dogs or Pulp Fiction.

It's like watching The Usual Suspects all over again. Of course, writer/director Christopher McQuarrie wrote that one also. Now, he is doing the whole thing. Yes, you can expect multiple twists and turns, and you will need a scorecard to follow the action.Ryan Phillippe and Benicio Del Toro are just a couple of small timers that snatch the wrong baby. Why wrong? Because they now have to deal with Taye Diggs and Nicky Katt one one side, and James Caan and Geoffrey Lewis on the other. Either way, they are not likely to survive.Scott Wilson (Sam Braun on "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation") is the expectant father and boss of all these thugs. His wife, Francesca (Kristin Lehman) can't be bothered having a baby, so they hire Robin (Juliette Lewis) to have it. There is a lot more things going on, but that would be spoiling it. Suffice it to say that this will not end up as anyone expects.Bullets fly throughout this film that features a great car chase and some outstanding dialog.An under-appreciated jewel.