Genres

Visitors Review

2013-05-25 23:38:34

good movie

I had never heard of this movie until I was searching through Amazon one day. Being a Jack Nicholson fan I thought why not buy it. Glad I did.

2013-05-25 11:28:55

One star off from being a classic

This movie did not get any studio hype. I think that's why it didn't do very well. I like Jack Nickleson in anything, he is such an actor. Well, Jack's wife is a boarderline wino, she finds out about his infidelity by her son, Jack's stepson. She gets into a drunken car accident and dies. J.Lo is Jack's lover who works as a maid in rich peoples houses which comes in handy because Jack robs them and she knows where all the good jewelry is. His stepson makes a pass at J.Lo and screws up the whole sweet deal. It's a lot better than what I described, rent it, you'll like it. Enjoy!

Boba_Fett1138 2013-05-19 12:53:16

Badly made- and uninteresting typical genre movie.

This movie leaves a totally pointless impression. It adds noting new ororiginal to the genre and on top of that the movie is just not a wellmade one.They desperately tried to make things more interesting with its scriptbut the movie in fact remains nothing more but a generic genre movie,that unnecessarily makes things hard on itself with its script andredundant characters.The story also doesn't always flow, which is due to some bad pacing andediting. At times it feels like sequences are missing and things occurtoo fast after each other. The story lacks proper back-story for thecharacters and when the movie tries to put in some emotions they workout blank and come over as artificial and forced and completelyunrealistic or believable. You can also blame the director for this.I'll bet the movie would had been way better if it didn't took itselfas serious as it did. Some more 'fun' wouldn't had damaged the movie.Because of the failed script not much works out in the movie. It's nottense, it's not mysterious, it's not surprising. The action feels lameand the love-story misplaced and unrealistic. Some of the dialog ishorrendous and it makes the characters at times seem like dumbNeanderthalers. A real offense to the viewer's intelligence.Despite the fact that the movie is filled with stars, the movie stillis miscast. In all fairness, I think Jennifer Lopez is a good actressbut it just doesn't show in this movie, in which she plays a characterwith a thick Cuban accent, who is supposed to be the love interest ofthe movie of the two main characters. Stephen Dorff feels out of placesince he's only ever real good and convincing as an actor when he playsa villain, which is mostly due to his looks. Still it's interesting tosee Jack Nicholson and Michael Caine as partners in crime. EspeciallyNicholson makes the movie worthwhile at times and his character isperhaps the only real good and enjoyable one of the movie. Though Caineis also good at times but mostly when he acts as a different person inthe movie.A movie to forget really fast.4/10http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/

2013-05-18 23:03:57

Dan Daily, he is awesome

Dan Daily as the wine steward really brings this film above the rest. His few but very signifigant lines bring life and passion to this film. The supporting cast of Nicholson, Caine, Dorff, and Lopez are good too, but Dan Daily is the real key. Rent this one today.

2013-05-14 11:09:25

Stellar cast. Brilliant film making.

Jack Nicholson is typically brilliant. Judy Davis is positivelycompelling.Michael Caine does what he does when given a great script: exceptionalwork. Stephen Dorff is a great young actor, and Jennifer Lopez isstunningly beautiful, if at times out of her league here.The script is good, the direction is excellent, and the film, in total, isasolid 8.5 on the 10 scale. Those who complain that the film is too violentshouldn't watch movies about crime. Crime is typically violent. (Despitethe way it's depicted in most films.)See this movie. Ignore the idiots.

bob the moo 2013-05-13 23:24:13

Character driven thriller

Another twist on the heist gone wrong movie. Alex (Nicholson) and Victor(Caine) plan to rob jewels from a house safe. The robbery goes off fine butAlex's wife leaves him and flees the abusive relationship with her son Jason(Dorff) accidentally taking the jewels. Alex and Victor give chase leadingto a double-crossing finale of greed and deception.This is not what it appears - to compare it to the many "heist gone wrong"movies around now is quite unfair. Rather, this is a character driven piecewhere the diamonds become the signpost to the characters' true form ratherthan the reason d'eitre for the whole film. Nicholson plays the maincharacter who seems OK on the surface but is paranoid, greedy, abusive andfrustrated underneath. Caine is more sleazy and obviously violent, whileLopez, Dorff and Davis all play supposed innocents sucked into thecrime.However the truth is that the film reveals the greed inside each of them,only Judy Davis as Nicholson's wife comes off as anyway sympathetic, buteven she has a drinking problem. Lopez and Dorff display their greedgradually and their characters develop during the film to be as unpleasantas Nicholson. All the main performances are strong and the monstrous sidesof their nature are easily believable. Any redemptions are tarnished withlingering greed, greed turns to suspicion turns to deception turns tomurder. Human nature is an ugly thing and this element of it is played outat every level here.As a crime thriller it doesn't work as well as it could have - it is oftentreated as a plot driver rather than the plot itself. However the charactersand performances are all strong and it is this that drives the film.Depending on whether you want a crime thriller or a character piece with bignames, you'll either be disappointed or pleasantly surprised.

Jerry Dean 2013-05-12 00:41:52

An enjoyable 7 rated film.

This was a nice little heist yarn. Nothing special or spectacular, butstillan enjoyable viewing.I really enjoyed the role that Michael Caine played. His character wascreepy and vulnerable at the same time. Caine played it exceptionally well.In fact, Caine's acting was the best part of the movie.I'll rate this movie a solid 7. Not a masterpeice, but still an enjoyableview.

2013-05-11 06:23:53

Wonderful characters in this film noir

I'm not a diehard fan of film noir movies, but this one appeals to me, largely because of the multi-dimensional characters, written with more insight and compassion than usually found in this genre. Even the most villainous character has an understandable reason for all-consuming greed; the rest exude depths of decency and honor when you least expect it. That makes it all worth watching; these are people worth watching and even rooting for. The main cast is uniformly magnificent... what a treat to see Caine and Nicholson play off each other so expertly, and Judy Davis is intelligent and stellar as always. Stephen Dorff continues to impress me with his "diamond-in-the-rough" surliness and Jennifer Lopez does better work here than I've seen before, adding extra likeableness to a plot that, on the surface, threatens to be more hard-boiled than it actually turns out to be. Although there are plenty of violent scenes, there's also just the right amount of vulnerability mixed in with the toughness, enough self-awareness and kindness mixed in with the hatred and selfishness. Great movie, great surprise!

J-Crew 2013-04-20 23:39:43

***1/2 out of ****; Grade: B+

A surprisingly rich and tragic jewel heist picture, with Nicholson as anaging wine seller who dabbles in a theft that gets increasinglycomplicated.A beautiful, talented cast and convincing locales are matched by a witty,downbeat script. Some of the best work the five primary cast members haveever done, and certainly Rafelson's finest two hours in over adecade.

2013-04-20 08:18:50

'Blood and Wine' tops Florida film noir

There have been several attempts at Florida film noir but 1997's 'Blood and Wine' may be the best. Jack Nicholson re-teams with director Bob Rafelson (The Postman Always Rings Twice). Nicholson star's as a cash - strapped wine salesman who has a scheme to steal a client's diamond necklace that's worth over a million dollars. Nicholson's motivation besides his money problem's is his failing marriage with his wife (Judy Davis) and his troubled relationship with her son (Stephen Dorff). Nicholson also is having an affair with (Jennifer Lopez) who happens to work for the people that Nicholson plans to rob. (Michael Caine) star's as a sleazy down and out safecracker who helps Nicholson in the jewel heist. After the heist is successfully completed , Nicholson hides the jewels in a suitcase and plans a plane flight to New York City for himself and Lopez in order to sell off the priceless gems. However , Davis arrives home unexpectedly and discovers the plane ticket's. Davis confront's Nicholson and a violent fight breaks out leaving Nicholson unconscious. Davis hastily takes the suitcase , packing it with her things not knowing the suitcase contains the stolen necklace and heads for a friends place to stay. Jack Nicholson and Michael Caine do make a marvelous team. The setting of the film is perfect as it takes place in Miami and other south Florida location's. There is just something that appeals with 'humid nights' , 'tacky bars on beach fronts' , 'eerie swamps' and 'swaying palm tree's' !!

2013-04-08 23:21:17

About the Format

This review is from: Blood and Wine (DVD) I'm reading some concerns about the screen format of BLOOD & WINE, but all indications are it's going to be presented in 1.85:1 format, which is widescreen. Amazon did mention it, but looks like the info is no longer there. But on other websites they provide specifics about the DVD. The question is will it be "enhanced for widescreen" or just letterbox. I hope it will be enhanced. It also appears to be in Dolby Digital stereo surround, instead of 5.1 surround sound. However, I hear the special features are going to be impressive with director's commentary, deleted scenes and some stuff on Nicholson and Caine...sounds pretty good to me. My only real complaint is the terrible box-cover. Not that the original poster was that great, but this cover art is just terrible. Plus it would have been nice to put Michael Caine on the cover somewhere as he steals every scene he's in.

gbheron 2013-04-08 03:55:14

Very Good 90s Film Noir

Jack Nicholson and Michael Caine are so good in this movie. The temptationto chew up the scenery must have been overwhelming, but neither did. Neithergrandstanded, and each played their vastly unappealing characters right downto the last detail. Caine plays an aging and ill thief looking for that last big score on whichhe can retire. Nicholson plays a middle-class wine distributor locked intoan unhappy marriage, failing business, and a young girlfriend to support.They unite to rob one of Nicholson's clients, an act they feel will solveall of their problems. Of course it doesn't and everything that can gowrong, does. And then things begin to turn ugly.Dark, noirish, this is not a feel-good caper flick. It's definitely not "TheSting". What it is is well acted, directed, and filmed. Highly recommended,I'm just puzzled why it was overlooked at the Academy Awards.

2013-03-25 13:24:03

The DVD is fullscreen, not widescreen

This review is from: Blood and Wine (DVD) Unfortunately, the 20th Century Fox DVD of "Blood and Wine", release date February 7, 2006, is full screen.

Robert D. Ruplenas 2013-03-24 17:49:35

pretty good flick

This is a pretty good suspense/crime/intrigue flick about a jewelry heistgone terribly awry. The big draw here is Jack Nicholson and Michael Caine,working together, for the first time, I believe. They provide two nicelycontrasted portraits inmalice: Nicholson as a two-bit hood with a connoisseur's taste anddelusionsof grandeur, down on his luck, and Michael Caine as a grimly desperatesafecracker with advanced respiratory disease who feels the grim reaper athis heels and wants one last big score. Their plans are set askew byNicholson's wife and stepson, leading to nasty complications. NicholsonandCaine are great together, especially the latter. Worth asee.

Ruby Liang 2013-03-13 16:22:49

Dark film noir in color with stellar cast

Director Bob Rafelson ("Five Easy Pieces" 1970, "Postman Always Rings Twice,The" 1981) teamed up once again with Jack Nicholson in the lead, with steadyand enduring veterans Michael Caine and Judy Davis, along with a brilliant,faceted performance from Jennifer Lopez, and a gritty, sharp one fromStephen Dorff. It's a complex thriller drama, one-upmanship at every turn. Who will be thewinner and get the goods? This one sure keep you guessing - or, you're socaught up in all the intrigues that you have no time to second guess them.It's probably a "TORV" (tastier on repeat viewing) - a category I came upwith as I realized many a film somehow belongs. I may not immediatelyappreciate the film on first viewing, yet when I get to see it again, suchare the case with Curtis Hanson's "Wonder Boys" 2000, and Ang Lee's "IceStorm, The" 1997, I actually sat through them with higher interest, and yes,knowing the plot already, I found myself watching the nuances of plotlineand acting delivered more closely. "Blood and Wine", on repeat viewing, feltmuch juicier than I first saw it in the theater. If you like a dark film noir thriller, one that's for mature audiences (vs.lightweight fanciful intrigue as John McNaughton's "Wild Things" 1998 withKevin Bacon, Matt Dillon, Neve Campbell and Denise Richards), try "Blood andWine." There's another worthwhile mature thriller, written and directed byBritain's Simon Moore, "Under Suspicion" 1992, with Liam Neeson (as TonyAaron, a not so successful cop turned private eye) and Laura San Giacomo (asAngeline, the mysterious mistress of a rich dead man). It's a cleverwhodunit in a rather subtle way. Possibly keeps you guessing even after youleft the theater or finished viewing the film. (Ha, another candidate forTORV.)["TORV" - copyright 2001 Ruby Liang, ruby_fff]

soranno 2013-03-13 14:32:06

Lesser Jack Nicholson Vehicle

A wine merchant (Jack Nicholson) and a sickly veteran safecracker (MichaelCaine) join forces in the plot to steal a valuable necklace. What could'vebeen an interesting crime caper is marred by too many boring and uselesssubplots.

2013-03-11 04:23:17

Two hours I'll never get back.

This has to be one of the worst movies I've ever seen. The only thing that stopped me from demanding my money back at the end was the fact that I saw it in a free sneak preview.By the end of movie you don't like any of the characters and you don't care what happens to them, even the ones that started out sympathetic and likable. The third time Jack Nicholson's character gets beaten with his own golf clubs you're torn between wishing they'd just kill him already and wishing they'd kill you instead so you don't have to sit through anymore of this crap.Save your time and your money, turn around and walk away from this one. I wish I had.

anonymous 2013-03-11 00:40:49

Good and rich

I couldn't possibly disagree more with "ALFONSO RODRIGUEZ." I thought thiswas a brilliantly real movie, with complex characters and an incrediblyrealistic portrayal of how incredible selfish, banal, and stupid mostcrimes(and criminals) actually are.The brilliance of the story lies in its simplicity. Alex (Nicholson) is aparastic, two-timing lout looking for an easy score, but he's too inept ofacriminal to pull it off without massive complications. Victor (Caine) isbitter, vicious, and utterly repulsive (but impossible to take your eyesoffof) as a dying ex-con looking for one last shot at the big time. JenniferLopez' character is not a plot device, she' an enigma whose loyalties (orlack thereof) keep you guessing to the very end.This movie has everything: Great dialogue, lush scenery (includingJenniferLopez), great pacing, and a clever plot. Thankfully the director was wiseenough not to try to pander to viewers like ALFONSO by throwing ingratitious nudity, explosions, car chases, and hackneyed plot twists. Isuspect that's what attracted such a high-profile cast to this littlethriller.

KyleFurr1983 2013-03-09 14:37:08

disappointing film noir

This movie tries to be a modern day film noir and just quite doesn'twork. This was directed by Bob Rafelson, who also directed Nicholson inhis first great starring role in Five Easy Pieces. This movie has agreat cast that has Nicholson, Michael Caine, Judy Davis, JenniferLopez and Stephen Dorff. Nicholson owns a wine cellar but is havingsome money troubles and hatches a plan with Michael Caine to steal amillion dollar necklace while some rich clients are on vacation. Lopezplays their maid who is going to help them but is fired right beforethe robbery and can't help them. Once they actually steal the necklace,everything starts to go wrong and everybody turns on everyone. Thismovie just doesn't work as a film noir and is just a majordisappointment

Claudio Carvalho 2013-03-09 06:30:35

Although Having a Magnificent Cast, It Is Just an Average Amoral Movie

In Miami, Alex Gates (Jack Nicholson) is a small trader of wines,married with Suzanne (Judy Davies). He does not have a goodrelationship with his wife and his stepson, Jason (Stephen Dorff). Alexhas a Cuban mistress, Gabriela (Jennifer Lopez). One day, he decides tosteal a jewel from a rich client, in the house where Gabriela works asa nanny. Alex associates to the tuberculous small-time crook VictorSpansky (Michael Caine). A series of mistakes jeopardize the heist andthe selling of the necklace. This amoral and noir movie has amagnificent cast. However, something does not work well, being just anaverage movie about greed. My vote is six.Title (Brazil): "Sangue e Vinho" ("Blood and Wine")