Things To Do In Denver When You're Dead (95)

12/22/96

I really liked this one. I think Andy Garcia is one of our most passionate actors, but then again, I thought that GODFATHER PART III kicked ass. In this one, he plays Jimmy "the Saint", a former bad guy gone good. He has a crumbling business making videos of dying people filled with advice to their offspring, not yet able to understand their words of wisdom. He is called back into the mob by "The Man With The Plan" who is played with the usual humor and disgust by Christopher Walken. Garcia must reorganize his old gang to scare the shit out of a kid so he'll stop dating a particular girl. There are no surprises, but the language used and the verbal sparring that goes on between just about any two characters makes it very entertaining. The cast is first rate from top to bottom with the exception of Gabrielle Anwar. I just don't get her. She's attractive to be sure, but so are hundreds of other young actresses. I noticed in the credits that she has a voice coach. Her voice was so grating that I couldn't understand much of Jimmy's attraction to her. This movie lives or dies on Garcia's shoulders and he is definitely up to the task. He's supercool, confident, and is actually a pretty nice guy. Jack Warden interprets the wise guy talk into plain english for the sake of the audience. Steve Buscemi continues his long list of small, yet captivating parts. He's a killer from out of town, looking to 'Buckwheat' some guys. Look for Playmate of the year and most overhyped 'personality' of 1996 Jenny McCarthy as a nurse.
Andy Garcia Bill Forsyth Christopher Lloyd Bill Nunn Christopher Walken Gabrielle Anwar Steve Buscemi Jack Warden Fairuza Balk Marshall Bell Josh Charles Don Cheadle Bill Cobbs Jenny McCarthy Glenn Plummer Don Stark Sarah Trigger Written by Scott Rosenberg Directed by Gary Fleder
Ebert **^ Maltin ** Tucker D+ LaSalle 1.0 Shulgasser *

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