Roger Ebert's review
In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 00:37:17Read transcript
- Per the hosts, Ebert was not a fan and gave the film two out of four stars.
- Ebert is quoted as saying the film was well crafted but died in the last half hour, like a crossword puzzle that keeps your interest until you solve it and is then a worthless scrap with the spaces filled in.
- The critique is called fair: the two halves of the movie do not match, and once you figure out the outcome the plot momentum fizzles.
- None of the characters are likable, which is part of what makes the film interesting; Douglas is said to have felt Nick did not deserve to be saved.
- In Ebert's defense, the detective casework is ludicrous and easy to figure out, though the movie is still fun to laugh through for two hours and eight minutes.
- The film is really a vibe movie: the Jerry Goldsmith score, early-90s San Francisco and Carmel; you know who the murderer is in the first three minutes.
- It is surprising that Ebert was upset the mystery fell apart, though viewers expecting a puzzle box could be let down.