What a delicious movie! A must see for all fans of Sidney Lumet. Ethan Hawke is mesmerizing. Philip is a bit too intense for my tastes. For me, the highlight is the screen play. A masterpiece for first time writer Kelly Masterson. Any idea when his next work will appear on the big screen? Can a real fan like myself wait that long?

This movie isn't for the faint-of-heart. One of us hated it. There was no-one to identify with - all the characters were basically nasty and unpleasant. The film wasn't entertainment, just torture. The other half of us was grippped by the suspense and thought the acting was amazing. The plot unfolded like a Greek tragedy. Overweening hubris, one thing goes wrong and the characters fall deeper into an ever-wideneing morass. The events seemed to follow inevitably - but this is not something I'd go to see if I wanted to be inspired or uplifted. A very nasty morality tale.

The perfomances were outstanding.The movie is edited like a Novel,where each day of a different character in the movie is recapped with the focus point being on a fewdays before or a few days after the day of the heist. This gives the characters and the movie a more fractured or splinttered feel which bodes well with what Lumet is trying to do. I loved this movie,it is the best movie i have seen this year,and probably the best Sydney Lumet movie i have ever seen. Come oscar time i look for it to be in the Director,Movie of the year catogories and Hoffman and Hawke garnish nominations.

If you must see a feel good film, if you like typical Hollywood films, if you like a hero then dont see this film. If you want to see a great film about the dark side of life with fantastic acting this is for you. Great script and very reminiscent of French film noir. I personally really really like it. This film was made by a director that was interested in the genre with no care for what the Hollywood public might want to see, BRAVO!!!! We need more fiilms like this.

4 starsAbsolutely mesmerizing! A "what can go wrong, will go wrong" tragedy. Great acting, actors, and suspenseful story. One of the best movies I've seen this year. If you liked "A Simple Plan", you'll love this.