On K List of Movie Reviews

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Kiss of Death (1995)

Rate: 6
Viewed: 9/13

9/13: Kiss of Death is an okay crime picture as far as I'm concerned.

I just have a hard time accepting David Caruso in the leading role because he's a bona fide crappy actor who belongs in the same league with Brad Dourif, the Marlon Brando of phony acting. He should be tortured in every film.

Watching Caruso and Nicolas Cage together in the same frame, there's simply no contest. Having a small amount of screen time, Nicolas Cage is mesmerizing and steals every scene. He's the sole reason why I decided to see the film again. However, his Little Junior character is underutilized and thus should be expanded. Making him to be more like Dennis Hopper's Frank Booth will be a good idea, too. His co-star, Samuel L. Jackson, turns in a solid performance.

On the other hand, Kiss of Death can be thought of as a Miami Vice reunion for at least six actors: Ving Rhames, Stanley Tucci, Anthony Heald, Philip Baker Hall, Paul Calderon, and Jay Sanders. They appeared in different episodes during the five seasons.

All in all, Kiss of Death is better off without David Caruso while it needs more defining scenes with Nicolas Cage.

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