Sadly Over-hyped

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

The acting is good, and the firecracker script has some excellent ideas.

Again. Another movie in the 90's; when we all rented vids or went to the movies; that was a total let down. I remember this movie specifically. It looks like it was shot in one casino. I love Nicolas Cage because no one else is quite like him. I think we all love the iconic method actors. All Nicolas cage years (0 is a number!) of studying at the prestigious "My Uncle is Francis Ford Coppola" school of acting paid off as he both chewed scenery and over forced the portrayal of his character like he was desperately trying to suck a sausage through a straw. He has definitely had better performances.Once again a 90's movie where you are sitting in the theater wondering when they will get to a part that justifies the budget and finally realizing that you have been ripped off as the ending credits roll.Fortunately most movie makers realized, like the US Automobile industry in the '70s, if you make a shoddy product then the masses will go elsewhere. Now we have digital media and the passion has come back into TV and movies.

"Snake Eyes" is one of those movies that shouldn't be underestimated, the plot isn't simple and standard, every moment is imperative. Unless you have wireless headphones, don't leave the room without pressing "pause" because if you miss any parts, you won't have a clue what is going on.One of the good things about this plot is that most aspects are connected, nearly every scene and nearly every circumstance, there is a scenario that is not so quite connected and that is when the female main character is hanging around with an unlikable guest at the hotel, that scenario is needed, but only up to a certain point.There's many twists and at times this film is downright creepy (especially the "hear comes the pain" flashback scene).Director Brian De Palma knew what he was doing when he made this, and David Koepp also did a good job helping him put this story and screenplay together, Nicholas Cage was the right choice for the male lead.

I have watched Brian De Palma films here and there for years, but it wasn't until recently where I really immersed myself in his filmography. Body Double is the one to beat, a phenomenal erotic thriller that stays in your head weeks after. Dressed to Kill and Passion are also top notch works that have such memorable sequences. Snake Eyes is not as erotic as the aforementioned films (although Carla Gugino is wildly ravishing in the film), however its a fun thrill ride. De Palma delves into a conspiracy involving a murder at a boxing event. Nicolas Cage is the detective at the event who is tasked with solving the crime. There are twists and turns in the film that keep the film going. The reveal occurs early but it wasn't a problem as there was much to enjoy. The cinematography is top notch; De Palma is excellent at this. There are first person view points, flashbacks, overhead shots going from room to room. Its all done with craft. The film isn't a magnificent marvel of cinema, however De Palma knows how to keep the film flowing. Cage as an overacting detective brings life to the film. Lets face it, we love when Nicolas Cage is like that. There are parts of the plot that could have been changed for a bit more coherency but its not much to complain about. Stay tuned all the way through to the end of the credits.Overall, De Palma is a great filmmaker. What I really appreciate about him is his ability to branch out and try different types and styles of film. He's had some misses throughout the years but its safe to say Snake Eyes really isn't one of them.7/10

Brian De Palma's "Snake Eyes" (1998) is about a fast-talking shady Atlantic City detective, Rick Santoro (Nicolas Cage), who becomes involved with a murder conspiracy at a heavyweight boxing match in an Atlantic City casino while a hurricane hits. Gary Sinise plays Naval officer Commander Dunne, Santoro's best friend, and Carla Gugino plays a mysterious woman in white.This is a top-of-the-line crime thriller that cost a bundle. The opening 13-minute sequence is an amazing continuous shot, but some say it actually consists of several seamless cuts. Regardless, it's filmmaking of the highest order. The score by Ryûichi Sakamoto is unique and a highlight. Gugino is a cutie and Jayne Heitmeyer is stunning as the lady in red. Interestingly, practically the entire movie takes place in the extravagant casino/hotel.Some complain about the contrivances of the ending, but all these types of thrillers contain contrivances; besides, it's not as bad as people say if you reflect on it. Speaking of the ending, as good as the opening is I actually enjoyed the second half more, which is when the real villain manifests. What I like about the antagonist is that he or she has a good -- almost noble -- motive. But does the end justify the means? Like the excellent "Training Day," "Snake Eyes" is about a corrupt authority figure but, unlike that movie, redemption might still be possible. Unfortunately, the chickens must first come home to roost, as they say.On the downside, as great as the two women are, they coulda done more with 'em, but this is a minor cavil.The film is lean at 98 minutes and was shot in Atlantic City and Montreal.GRADE: B+