While it is mildly enjoyable in a rather bland way (you often get the sense that the producers were marking off their checklist while watching the initial screenings), I tend to agree with Rumsey’s assessment of this movie and concur with the opinion that the filmmakers unfortunately placed their emphasis on the wrong priorities within its narrative.
However, I’m honestly not even sure if I would call this a movie, since I’m uncertain if the central narrative was actually the primary concern of the filmmakers. I’m sure Luketic and his crew achieved everything they initially envisioned as their goal with this project, but the finished product feels like another expensive commercial created for what is turning out to be the most elaborate advertisement campaign ever created for a city. Considering the number of feature films that Hollywood keeps churning out about the glamorous lifestyle that Vegas supposedly offers (and I shudder when pondering the potential results of the upcoming Kutcher-Diaz comedy centered around the city), I’m starting to wonder if these films are the result of agreements brokered between Hollywood producers and casino owners in an effort to begin paying off the gambling debts that these producers have accumulated over the course of a few too many weekend getaways at the Bellagio and the Wynn.
by Chiranjit Goswami | Source: Columbia Pictures 35mm Print
30 Apr 2008 6:38 PM | Submit Comment
