I get the feeling that they finally released this 2001 production because of the recent success of Vin Diesel.  Think about it, there are some pretty big names in this picture, John Malkovich and Dennis Hopper.  So, why would they let it sit on the shelf this long?  Maybe because the script wasn't very good or the story was predictable or the miscasting of the actors?  How about ALL OF THE ABOVE!  Hopper never convinced me that he was a gangster and Malkovich was constantly fighting to keep a New York accent that kept slipping away from him.  Diesel was ok as his stereotypical, "bad guy" self but the one standout in this picture was Barry Pepper.  Excellent performance in a less than excellent movie. 

Pepper is Matty Demaret, son of mob boss Benny "Chains" (Hopper) who tries to do it the honest way but can't because of his name.  He decides to join the "family business" and convinces his father to let him handle a money pick-up in Seattle.  He sends a friend, Johnny "Marbles" (Seth Green) who is a pilot/cocaine addict that needs a "second chance".  Marbles picks up the money, FIVE HUNDRED GRAND, and starts back to New York.  The plot thickens when he stops in a small Montana town for fuel
and "loses" the bag.  It goes downhill from there as the three mob wannabees fly out to find the bag.  After wading through the town tough guy, two stoners and a crooked sheriff, they find the bag only to have a surprise development change how they see their lifestyle. 

This picture could have been better with a different cast and a little slicker writing.  Diesel was good, Pepper was wasted.  He is a superior actor and will be in better pictures than this. 

"If we don't find the bag it'll be the three R's for us.  The roof, the river or the revolver!" 

RECOMMENDATION:  If you like Pepper or Diesel, it's worth seeing.  On its OWN merits, wait for the tape. 

TWO RELUCTANT THUMBS DOWN!

Movie Review © 2002 by Terry Anderson