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Things to Do in Denver
When You're Dead (1995)

Rate: 6
Viewed: 10/21

DenverDead
10/21: Obviously a Tarantino wannabe, Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead has a strong cast and a hip screenplay but sometimes runs loose.

One sign of good editing is knowing what to cut out. In this case, I was starting to get bored at the hour mark because of some needless parts. Why Reservoir Dogs and Glengarry Glen Ross worked is tight editing. As a result, they're fast pictures with crisp and, more importantly, memorable dialogue. They also have movie moments while Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead has none.

The cast is unbelievable as it contains Andy Garcia, Christopher Lloyd, William Forsythe, Bill Nunn, Treat Williams, Jack Warden, Steve Buscemi, Fairuza Balk, Gabrielle Anwar, Christopher Walken, Glenn Plummer, and Bill Cobbs. Jenny McCarthy, Don Cheadle, and Tiny Lister also have small supporting parts. There's plenty of pedigree through those who've come from Sidney Lumet films while Andy Garcia recaptures a great deal of Vincent Mancini's persona from The Godfather Part III.

At first, the dialogue is confusing to follow, but as soon as Andy Garcia leaves the malt shop, it starts to make sense, thanks to Jack Warden providing some explanation what certain slang words mean. The movie becomes better this way. Of course, I knew, and Jimmy should've known, a mile away that Critical Bill was going to fuck up everything. It's what psychos do for fun. What a mistake it was to have him on the crew for a simple operation. Instead of doing nothing, why not all the condemned men go after the Man with the Plan? What's there to lose if they're going to be killed anyway?

All in all, if Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead is thirty minutes shorter, the sweet spot can be hit, but it desperately needs a few timeless scenes.