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Lies And Illusions

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Stars: Christian Slater, Cuba Gooding Jnr., Sarah Ann Schultz, Christa Campbell, Robert Giardina

Director: Tibor Takacs

Rated: R

Runtime: 93 minutes

Action/thriller/comedy



There are many words I could use to describe this movie - unfortunately none of them are printable in a family newspaper.

It's easy to see why this tedious stinker went straight to DVD - it's cliché-ridden and unexciting with a bland plot and cast who go through the motions.

But then what do you expect from director Tibor Takacs, whose work includes such illustrious epics as Rats, Mega Snake and Kraken: Tentacles Of The Deep.

One can only assume a talent like Cuba Gooding Jnr. was forced into doing this movie for contract reasons.

The story follows self-help author Wes Wilson (Christian Slater) who is hunted by thugs led by tough guy Isaac (Cuba Gooding Jnr.) who think he has millions of dollars worth of diamonds stolen by his dead fiancée.

The movie pitches itself as an action-comedy but it is neither exciting or the slightest bit funny.

No, I take that back - the so-called villains are unintentionally hilarious. I've faced more threatening kittens.

The opening James Bond-style, slick credits hint it will be a similarly sexy thriller but aside from ripping off 007 movies staples - there is even a sizzling tango - it is nowhere near as good.

Basically it is a string of dull chase sequences and fights. And no matter how many cars crash or people get shot or beaten up in public, no one ever bats an eyelid or calls a cop.

Don't waste your time.

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