The Grifters (1990)

Fresh and Exciting

Absolutely the worst movie.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

Very good film with great performances from Anjelica Houston and John Cusack. But then being biased upon a book by Jim Thompson and scripted by Donald E Westlake it has a lot going for it even before you are aware of Martin Scorsese as a producer. Not sure why it is not better known or more loved but this is probably because it does not feature the male mob boys up front and but instead seeming smaller bit part players (and two women at that). The dialogue is wonderful, snappy , exciting and believable and if things are a bit confusing at the start, not helped by some unnecessary split screen gimmickry, once things get going and we stop worrying about the intricacies of betting odds, sit back and enjoy the fast moving, albeit wordy, action. Great fun - oh but a bit violent too!

This is certainly a good movie ... but nominated for 4 Oscars and quite a number of other wins and awards and stuff? really? surely not the only not-so-Oscar-worthy movie i've ever seen that has been nominated for so many of such a highly praised prize ... but well ... dunno ... maybe 1990 was a special year for unlikely nominations after all ...

If you go to the 9 minute mark of the movie, where John Cusack tries to scam the bartender, you will see Reg Park playing on the bar TV in the background. They are showing HERCULES AND THE CAPTIVE WOMEN, (1961). This is the scene where the bartender hits Roy in the stomach causing all the internal damage. Larry Anderson, Canada

From Stephen Frears comes The Grifters, a highly colourful and riveting film noir. Frears' direction is superb, with smooth shifts between the audacious scams, the sudden violence and the intense rivalry between the characters. The film looks very stylish not just in the cinematography but also in the scenery, editing and costumes. The Grifters also benefits from a cracking, well-paced story and superb writing that is both witty and intense. When it comes to the film's acting, it is very good. Except that John Cusack comes across as rather bland and lightweight. Cusack aside, both Anjelica Huston and Annette Bening deliver power-house performances, and out of a terrific supporting cast JT Walsh and Charles Napier particularly impress. All in all, a wonderful film that succeeds in pretty much all areas. 9/10 Bethany Cox