On D List of Movie Reviews
(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)
The Deal (2005)
Rate:
3
Viewed:
12/08
12/08:
As evidenced in Alone in the Dark, Christian Slater makes 2005
the nadir of his career by agreeing to star in The Deal.
What the heck happened to him? I'm surprised it has a couple more of well-known stars: Robert Loggia and
John Heard. Both have done a great job anyway.
After watching the movie for a while, I wouldn't say it's terrible given the dialogue and the seriousness of
the material. But the poor direction and ludicrous subplots annihilated the film before it's over, leaving
me stupefied. Essentially, The Deal is The Firm meets
The Formula but worse.
I've had a hard time believing in the characters based on their looks. They seem inexperienced graduates
fresh out of law school. The need for Selma Blair to be slutty as much as possible undermines the credibility
of her character, and the sexual relationships among the co-workers make it worse. That's why
A Few Good Men ultimately worked by maintaining professionalism.
When Christian Slater's character is all stressed out because of what's happening around him, it doesn't look
credible. By the time the suspense starts to kick in, he disappears, and Selma Blair steps in. What is that?
It's too easy for her to acquire information. Angie Harmon's beauty makes The Deal
look like Miss America's Hollywood Thriller, and she's a Russian spy? Oh, please, give me a break.
Nice going, Mr. Editor, for the poor quick cuts during the first three minutes as if I must be in a hurry. Every
possible element that's conceived is thrown into the mix, but none makes a lasting impression. Hence, the
director should've cut out three-fourths of them while focusing more on the acting, the script, and a couple
of subplots.
At times, the storyline is followable, but mostly, it's been confusing. I can't believe that, prior to the
important meeting, Christian Slater's character didn't know where the folder file was when he was talking
about a deal that's worth $20 billion. Has he ever heard of a safe?
All in all, you should say no to The Deal.