In the Shadows
4/15/2002
THRILLER
Color, R (violence, language, drug use), 105 min., PPV 60 days, VHS $69.99, DVD $24.99
Street: May 21, Prebook: April 30
First Run: Int'l, Video premiere
Cast: Matthew Modine (TV's Jack and the Bean Stalk: The Real Story), Joey Lauren Adams (Chasing
Amy), James Caan (A Glimpse of Hell), Cuba Gooding Jr. (Snow Dogs)
Director: Ric Roman Waugh
STUDIO/LIONS GATE
Story Line: New York hit man Eric O'Byrne (Modine) is sent to Miami to murder movie stunt coordinator Lance Huston (Caan) in retaliation for an on-set accident that killed a powerful capo's nephew. Eric works his way into Lance's world by starting a relationship with his daughter (Adams), and before long Eric becomes a stuntman working for Lance--but then the time comes to pull the trigger.
Bottom Line: Writer/director Waugh, a veteran stuntman, has pieced together a superb story peppered with fiery action and daring stunts that actually do contribute to the plot. The blossoming romance is entirely believable, the plot turns never challenge credibility and the actors, particularly Caan and Gooding Jr. (as an eccentric drug dealer), know they are in something special. A stylish production with inventive photography, the $10 million budget is all on the screen. This is fabulous stuff, from beginning to end. With the slightest attention and the resulting buzz, this one could be a mover for some time to come. Treat it like a major release, and you'll see results. --Buzz McClain
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