On L List of Movie Reviews
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Little Odessa (1994)
Rate:
6
Viewed:
2/15
2/15:
Having seen We Own the Night years ago, I immediately became a fan of James Gray's directing style.
He doesn't have much of a résumé. Little Odessa is the only one that stands out. It's clear that Tim Roth is
a natural actor, but he doesn't look credible enough to play a Russian mafia hood despite the paucity of tattoos on him.
The longer the story unfolds, the more fearful I've become. It's because of the inclusion of Edward Furlong. By the time
his character is shot dead, it's American History X all over again. Hence, I wonder if Tony Kaye ripped off
Little Odessa after seeing it while supplying a Nazi hook.
There's not much of a difference between these two films as far as base elements go. Two brothers have a tough upbringing
and make do with what they can. The plot says and reveals little when what it really needs is a strong punch to be a gripping
picture.
All in all, Little Odessa is a good start for James Gray, but it's a big letdown.