Playing God

Starring: David Duchovny, Angelina Jolie
Directed by: Andy Wilson
Released: Buena Vista Pictures, 1997

A sweet-and-simple motion picture about an ex-doctor and drug addict (Duchovny) whose on-the-spot practice at a shady night club gives him the opportunity to become a mob doctor. Strictly speaking, there's nothing spectacular about this, but Duchovny, one of film and television's most underrated actors, saves the picture almost twice over. His flair for deadpan wit comes in handy -- the script is full of it -- and his shy charm are perfect for the antihero role he's required to play. The film doesn't take a lot of cognitive thought, but its short running time (94 minutes) will ensure that no viewer has time to contemplate the movie's occasional moments of stupidity. Also starring Angelina Jolie in the pre-hype phase of her career.