MOVIE - CONFIDENCE - Review Rating $$$$$ $$$ (OUT OF 10)
STARRING - Dustin Hoffman (King), Edward Burns (Jake), Rachel Weisz (Lily),
Andy Garcia (Gunther), Paul Giamatti (Gordo), Donal Logue, Luis Guzman, Franky G & Brian Van Holt.
DIRECTOR - James Foley (Glengarry Glen Ross, The Corruptor, The Chamber)
A gang of con artists mistakenly con a local mobster's henchmen and have to make amends or else.
I must admit a partiality to movies of this type. While most movies of this variety are not overly consequential, when done properly, they are smart, entertaining films that do provide some insight into human nature. Confidence meets the above criteria.
Confidence is actually smart enough that it attempts to con the audience. In a daring move the script spells out the abc's of a good con and then repeats the process on a larger scale. It's not often that a movie can do that and still remain interesting but Confidence pulls it off. There are four reasons why the film works: 1) the setting up of the con is interesting and entertaining; 2) the various participants are all playing their own angles which are only revealed gradually; 3) decent acting and 4) good pacing. The script doesn't lose credibility, either, as it ties up all the loose ends. Everything is accounted for in a realistic and logical manner.
The movie has two weaknesses. The first is the relationship between Jake (Burns) and Lily (Weisz). There is little chemistry between them. The script pays little attention to Lily's character and Weisz's performance, though okay, is less than subtle and far from mysterious. The other performances, including Dustin Hoffman as a quirky mob boss, are quite good.
The second problem with the movie is that the con is almost too easy. Even the obstacles that arise are quickly overcome. A little more soul-searching would have made for a more convincing product.
Confidence is a slick, smart and fun film.
Running time - 98 minutes
Alternative Reviews:
Roger Ebert's Review
Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
CONFIDENCE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
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2003
David Schwartz.
Last update:
8/9/03; 11:07:48 PM.
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