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Clay Pigeons (1998)

Rate: 6
Viewed: 1/24

ClayP
1/24: Clay Pigeons is a black comedy picture?

I'm not sure what people saw because it's never funny at any point. Yeah, the plot seems Fargo all over again, but the formula is familiar as seen in Best Seller, Point Break, and Switchback: the protagonist befriends a male and then slowly discovers he's a ruthless criminal.

Once again, Vince Vaughn steals the film, but he's let down by the cast. I hate Janeane Garofalo, and Joaquin Phoenix is a mediocre actor who always uses the same look. Scott Wilson is okay, having done this before while relying on his reputation from In Cold Blood.

The biggest issue is the unbelievability. At the beginning, Clay had nothing to worry by reporting to the police about what happened with Earl. The downside is he would have to come clean about the affair. Later, how is it that Clay suddenly found Lester Long with the girl at the lake? Ditto for the FBI agent. Before that, she never knew the description of the serial killer? It's impossible given that Vince Vaughn is 6'5" tall. Only Barney Fife is at the police station when he's sleeping? Aren't there supposed to be secretaries and dispatchers? Then again, why is he running the place all by himself? Who the hell trusts him?

All in all, Clay Pigeons has nothing new to offer, but fans of Vince Vaughn can safely check it out.