The Hook: An everyman stuck in an extraordinary situation. A
professional assassin. A twelve-hour timeline.

The Score: B-

The Thoughts:

I had high hopes for this movie. Directed my Michael Mann, who also
helmed an all-star cast in the incredible “Heat,” he had a lot to live
up to in my mind. The cast was once again widespread and talented, with
Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Mark Ruffalo (sp) and Peter
Berg (who, it should be noted, was actually the director for the
underrated but thoroughly enjoyable “The Rundown.”)

Acting was great, dialogue was decent, action scenes were believable
and well-choreographed. So why a B minus, you ask? Primarily because of
Mann’s exclusive use of digital photography. I had read that it helped
to enhance the LA nighttime scenes, with the glows and glares and
whatnot, but to be honest I simply found it distracting. It was almost
like the film was never really in focus, no matter how close the shot
was. There was always a blur or halo around the edges, and in the end
it just made me feel old, like I needed my bifocals or something.

And if there’s one thing I don’t want in a movie, it’s to walk out
feeling older than I am. Because… you know… 33 is just
creaking… where’s my cane, anyway…?

Final Score: B-