On B List of Movie Reviews
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Blood and Wine (1996)
Rate:
6
Viewed:
12/19
12/19:
In his autobiography Blowing the Bloody Doors Off, Michael Caine credited Jack Nicholson for pulling him out of
his semi-retirement to star in Blood and Wine because he was no longer getting leading roles while being
dissatisfied with the quality of movies he appeared in.
Settling for less by becoming a character actor in a supporting role, Michael Caine gives a classic Michael Caine performance
that made me go "wow." Pathetic, bereft of subtle social skills, and seemingly down-and-out, he's just too good. The
big treat is watching him and Jack Nicholson together in many scenes. In fact, it's the only worthwhile aspect of the film.
The rest isn't good. Stephen Dorff is awful; his role was supposed to go to Ethan Hawke who could've done a
better job. Playing an overdressed maid, Jennifer Lopez isn't a competent actress, often using her beauty as a crutch. I've always
hated Judy Davis ever since A Passage to India. The story is mediocre, having been done to death a hundred times
before.
All in all, Blood and Wine is a by-the-numbers heist picture, but it's worth watching for Michael Caine's superlative
acting.