I had grown curious on Sidney Lumet's most recent movie after hearing good things about it. And after reading Andrew's high praises, I became very compelled to watch it.In dire need of money, Andy (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and Hank Hanson (Ethan Hawke) conspire to rob their parents' jewelry store. When the attempted robbery leaves their mother dead, their father Charles (Albert Finney) investigates the crime and uncovers shocking details.
As I was watching this, I kept thinking about an earlier Lumet movie, Dog Day Afternoon. The plots for both are almost similar: two men are behind robberies where the results go from bad to worse. The main difference is Before the Devil Knows You're Dead sucks you in (Dog Day Afternoon, however, takes its time). Hoffman and Hawke give great performances, as do Finney and Marisa Tomei. Just watching this made me wonder how Lumet doesn't have an Oscar yet.
My Rating: *****
LOVE this film. One crazy, hellish, stomach-churning downward spiral.
ReplyDeleteone of my faves. LOVE this movie as well.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen this, but will put it in my Netflix que. And I was just at Blockbuster yesterday and almost rented 3:10 to Yuma. Got all kids movies instead. You know, for the kids.
ReplyDeleteStephen Tremp
Lumet deserves an Oscar, and this is a prime example as to why.
ReplyDeleteLoved this movie! Phillip Seymour Hoffman is fantastic.
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