I loved the first third of this movie. I mean — really loved it. Imagine Bogart in a funnier, more noir “Guys and Dolls” without the singing. With a supporting cast like Peter Lorre, Jackie Gleason, Phil Silvers and a lot of guys you recognize from small parts in “Casablanca.” About 40 minutes in the whole house of cards collapses into something about as gripping as your average Scooby Doo episode. What a wash-out. I strongly recommend catching the opening of this film on cable some day — it’s just perfect. Then, make with the clicker.
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Jordan Hoffman is a New York-based writer and film critic working for The Guardian, Vanity Fair, Thrillist, Times of Israel, NY Daily News and elsewhere.
He is the host of ENGAGE: The Official Star Trek Podcast, a member of the New York Film Critics Circle and challenges you to a game of backgammon.