65 opiniones
Cuba Gooding Jr. is a secret service agent who blames himself over the assassination of the U.S. President, i'll point out straight away that this is not the type of role that this very talented actor is noted for, and this film shows us why. He teams up with a persistent news reporter (Angie Harmon) to uncover the conspiracy surrounding the president's death, and so on, blah, blah, blah.
Even with a cast of James Woods, Cuba Gooding Jr, Anne Archer and Angie Harmon 'End Game' fails to grab your attention, plain and simple; some of the action is good, the acting isn't all bad and the story although clichéd and done before could have lead to an entertaining and enjoyable movie - WELL IT DOESN'T! The writing of the script and the direction makes absolutely sure of that, at no point does it suck you into the story or make you give the slightest thought to any of the characters.
4/10 It's Boring, Predictable and Dull.
Even with a cast of James Woods, Cuba Gooding Jr, Anne Archer and Angie Harmon 'End Game' fails to grab your attention, plain and simple; some of the action is good, the acting isn't all bad and the story although clichéd and done before could have lead to an entertaining and enjoyable movie - WELL IT DOESN'T! The writing of the script and the direction makes absolutely sure of that, at no point does it suck you into the story or make you give the slightest thought to any of the characters.
4/10 It's Boring, Predictable and Dull.
- mjw2305
- 1 ene 2007
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Apparently most of the money spent in making "End Game" went to pay the stars. With such adept actors as Cuba Gooding Jr., James Wood, Anne Archer, and a pasty-faced Burt Reynolds literally having a bad-hair day, this movie should have been much better. None of the others looks quite as shopworn as Burt but they do give the appearance of being tired and bored. Cuba almost walks through his lines as if reading from a cue card.
The story is trite and lackluster, with only a few exciting scenes such as the opening assassination. Both writers, J.C. Pollock and stunt man Andy Cheng, are novices and it shows. Even the title is lame. Of what relevance is "End Game," and what exactly is the story? This viewer got confused, especially toward the end.
Vaguely, the film is about the assassination of a President and a personal investigation by the secret service man, Alex Thomas (Gooding), who did take a bullet for the President. But the bullet pierced Thomas' hand and then hit the President, ergo Thomas feels responsible for the Chief Executive's death, that he also let the First Lady down. He is joined in his manhunt by a reporter, Kate Crawford (Angie Harmon), who is determined to crack the case and get her scoop even at the risk of her own life. The situation becomes extremely hazardous as more and more evidence is uncovered pointing a finger to those in high places of our government. How the case is resolved at the end of the game leaves several unanswered questions. That all this sounds familiar indicates the picture's lack of originality and creativity.
The hackneyed script does provide a few good lines such as when Kate is interrogating an indigent person who keeps asking her for money. When she wants him to keep a house under surveillance, he tells her he would be glad to help anytime. She mumbles under her breath,"And how much will that cost me?"
Rather than waste time watching "End Game," why not rent other better movies on the topic such as "In The Line Of Fire," starring Clint Eastwood?
The story is trite and lackluster, with only a few exciting scenes such as the opening assassination. Both writers, J.C. Pollock and stunt man Andy Cheng, are novices and it shows. Even the title is lame. Of what relevance is "End Game," and what exactly is the story? This viewer got confused, especially toward the end.
Vaguely, the film is about the assassination of a President and a personal investigation by the secret service man, Alex Thomas (Gooding), who did take a bullet for the President. But the bullet pierced Thomas' hand and then hit the President, ergo Thomas feels responsible for the Chief Executive's death, that he also let the First Lady down. He is joined in his manhunt by a reporter, Kate Crawford (Angie Harmon), who is determined to crack the case and get her scoop even at the risk of her own life. The situation becomes extremely hazardous as more and more evidence is uncovered pointing a finger to those in high places of our government. How the case is resolved at the end of the game leaves several unanswered questions. That all this sounds familiar indicates the picture's lack of originality and creativity.
The hackneyed script does provide a few good lines such as when Kate is interrogating an indigent person who keeps asking her for money. When she wants him to keep a house under surveillance, he tells her he would be glad to help anytime. She mumbles under her breath,"And how much will that cost me?"
Rather than waste time watching "End Game," why not rent other better movies on the topic such as "In The Line Of Fire," starring Clint Eastwood?
- krorie
- 3 oct 2006
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- jon-573
- 9 ene 2006
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I argued with myself whether to rent this or not. I'm always afraid of renting something I've never heard of (don't remember this being in theaters). Great cast...that's what tipped the scales. 30 minutes in, I almost stopped watching it. The first few minutes are fun to watch, but unbelievable. It only gets worse after that. The writers of this movie could do a little research on future projects if they want to make their movies even a little better. Or they could just try writing something just a little bit believable. I give it a 3....a 1 for the writing (only because there are words)and a 2 for being able to get so many good actors to agree to do this movie despite having to read the script. Oh my god this movie sucks.
- jakewilliams14
- 4 may 2006
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i guess its possible that I've seen worse movies, but this one is a real stinker! the plot is unremarkable but thats not the worst of it. the directing is no where close to what you would expect from andy ching. he's capable of good work but failed to pull this movie together.
angie harmon, playing the female lead as a reporter dogging into who's behind the assassination of the president, truly butchered the role. there was no chemistry with gooding, her demeanor was flat and wooden, and the 5 inch spike heels she wore throughout the movie were absurd. this outing for harmon places her solidly at the bottom of the "b" list.
and what was cuba gooding thinking??? he has to his credit a number of outstanding performances, but this was far beneath what we've come to expect from him.
poor james woods and burt reynolds. poor poor poor poor poor.
angie harmon, playing the female lead as a reporter dogging into who's behind the assassination of the president, truly butchered the role. there was no chemistry with gooding, her demeanor was flat and wooden, and the 5 inch spike heels she wore throughout the movie were absurd. this outing for harmon places her solidly at the bottom of the "b" list.
and what was cuba gooding thinking??? he has to his credit a number of outstanding performances, but this was far beneath what we've come to expect from him.
poor james woods and burt reynolds. poor poor poor poor poor.
- luke-283
- 9 sep 2006
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- pheyrman
- 23 feb 2007
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Viewers seem to be pretty much against this action flick, seeming to put it down because if IS an action flick, a fact that for this viewer prevents looking for the good parts of a movie that succeeds in making us think. Director Andy Cheng (also a co-writer for the script) has a background as a movie stunt coordinator and that talent serves him well in this fast paced, explosive, interesting film.
Alex Thomas (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) is a secret agent assigned to the President when an assassination occurs: Thomas takes a bullet for his beloved President (Jack Scalia) and comforts the First Lady (Anne Archer) when the President is pronounced dead. Thomas works for Head Agent Vaughn Stevens (James Woods) who comforts the grieving Thomas and sends him off duty to recover: Thomas goes off on a drinking binge and is discovered by an aggressive Pulitzer Prize news reporter Kate Crawford (Angie Harmon) and between the two of them they uncover a conspiracy that involves top ranking people. The perpetrator of the assassination is one Jack Baldwin (Peter Greene) who guides the events from is hidden space. Every lead Crawford uncovers is promptly destroyed by explosions or fires until the final confrontation of Baldwin with Thomas and Crawford. And just when the viewer thinks every step is utterly predictable, the ending leaves the truth about the assassination to the viewer...! Cuba Gooding, Jr. is a fine talent in search of a great role: in this film he does well underplaying his character with some of the subtleties that demonstrate more of his talent. Angie Harmon delivers a fine performance: she deserves more roles. Anne Archer remains a pleasure to watch, even in this small but pivotal role, and James Woods, James Selby, and to an extent the grossly disfigured, post multiple plastic surgeries Burt Reynolds create credible characters. This is not a great movie, but is certainly is one with some fine elements and offers promise for new director Andy Cheng in his stepped up role. Yes, it is a bit predictable until the end, but it is a far better film than many of the movies that had the experience of a theatrical run (this one went straight to DVD!). Worth an evening's watching. Grady Harp
Alex Thomas (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) is a secret agent assigned to the President when an assassination occurs: Thomas takes a bullet for his beloved President (Jack Scalia) and comforts the First Lady (Anne Archer) when the President is pronounced dead. Thomas works for Head Agent Vaughn Stevens (James Woods) who comforts the grieving Thomas and sends him off duty to recover: Thomas goes off on a drinking binge and is discovered by an aggressive Pulitzer Prize news reporter Kate Crawford (Angie Harmon) and between the two of them they uncover a conspiracy that involves top ranking people. The perpetrator of the assassination is one Jack Baldwin (Peter Greene) who guides the events from is hidden space. Every lead Crawford uncovers is promptly destroyed by explosions or fires until the final confrontation of Baldwin with Thomas and Crawford. And just when the viewer thinks every step is utterly predictable, the ending leaves the truth about the assassination to the viewer...! Cuba Gooding, Jr. is a fine talent in search of a great role: in this film he does well underplaying his character with some of the subtleties that demonstrate more of his talent. Angie Harmon delivers a fine performance: she deserves more roles. Anne Archer remains a pleasure to watch, even in this small but pivotal role, and James Woods, James Selby, and to an extent the grossly disfigured, post multiple plastic surgeries Burt Reynolds create credible characters. This is not a great movie, but is certainly is one with some fine elements and offers promise for new director Andy Cheng in his stepped up role. Yes, it is a bit predictable until the end, but it is a far better film than many of the movies that had the experience of a theatrical run (this one went straight to DVD!). Worth an evening's watching. Grady Harp
- gradyharp
- 11 jul 2006
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So I'm looking to rent a DVD and I come across this movie called 'End Game'. It stars James Woods and Cuba Gooding JR and has the synopsis of a taught political thriller. Well worth a look then. Or so I thought.
Boy, was I wrong.
End Game has just about the most ridiculous plot I have ever had the displeasure of enduring. Now being something of a whodunnit, I can't really tear into it as I would like without 'ruining' it for those who have yet to experience this monstrosity. But questions such as 'Why has he/she/they done this?', and 'Where on earth did they get the resources to pull this off?' are all too abundant following the film's unintentionally hilarious conclusion.
As for the acting - you know those films where you can almost feel that an actor's realised that they've made a terrible mistake in signing on for a movie, and this then shows in their performance? This is one of those. Accompany this with a laughable script and seriously flawed, irritating direction and you have the recipe for cinematic poison.
Of course, this didn't make it to the cinema, and for the same reason you should not allow it into your living room; it is appalling.
Boy, was I wrong.
End Game has just about the most ridiculous plot I have ever had the displeasure of enduring. Now being something of a whodunnit, I can't really tear into it as I would like without 'ruining' it for those who have yet to experience this monstrosity. But questions such as 'Why has he/she/they done this?', and 'Where on earth did they get the resources to pull this off?' are all too abundant following the film's unintentionally hilarious conclusion.
As for the acting - you know those films where you can almost feel that an actor's realised that they've made a terrible mistake in signing on for a movie, and this then shows in their performance? This is one of those. Accompany this with a laughable script and seriously flawed, irritating direction and you have the recipe for cinematic poison.
Of course, this didn't make it to the cinema, and for the same reason you should not allow it into your living room; it is appalling.
- batmanatgotham
- 26 oct 2006
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- MamaPapaXP
- 2 may 2006
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I spent almost two hours watching a movie that I thought, with all the good actors in it, would be worth watching. I couldn't believe it when the movie ended and I had absolutely no idea what had happened.....I was mad because I could have used that time doing something else....I tried to figure it all out, but really had no clue. Thanks to those who figured it out and have explained it....right or wrong, it's better than not knowing anything!! Who was the lady in the movie with dark hair that we saw a couple of times driving away? How did First Lady know that her husband was cheating on her? At the end of the movie Kate said she would eventually find out the truth. Does this mean that we're going to be subjected to End Game 2?
- rebel392
- 2 oct 2006
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I guess I'm the only one reviewing this excellent movie who thought it was very good, up there with the best of the conspiracy movies. I thought the script was well written, the dialogue pared down to essentials, characterisation of the protagonists was well thought out and the actors were all top notch, the directing was snappy and economical with a near documentary feel...shot on a grainy film..this added to the gritty feel of the movie (not face powder as one guy on the message board states...it's film grain!!).
The plot was slowly revealed and the twists and turns unravelled nicely. A surprise ending....sexy leads and a cooking music score all added to my enjoyment, it held my attention and suspended my disbelief.
A bluddy good film!
The plot was slowly revealed and the twists and turns unravelled nicely. A surprise ending....sexy leads and a cooking music score all added to my enjoyment, it held my attention and suspended my disbelief.
A bluddy good film!
- chriscopp
- 2 jun 2008
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An enjoyable film that has a decent pace to it, free of bad language which makes a nice change and has a great cast.
The biggest question mark over it is the presence and closeness of a journalist to the investigation. That said it helps the story telling and the flow of the film, at the end of the day it is make believe and not worth getting hung up on. This film should be enjoyed for what it is, an action film.
- matthewrudder
- 14 oct 2020
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- expatinasia
- 30 abr 2006
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End Game started well, the least said about the end the better. it seemed like things we're happening just to keep the plot going, for example the reporter who at first is a very inquisitive, intelligent person, half way through does something really stupid and totally out of character, we are given no reason for this apart from, the next scene wouldn't make sense without it. The whole story could have been told in about 30 minutes, it would have made an average TV political drama The brilliant Cuba Gooding Jr. is very watchable however and James Woods does an admirable job considering.
The end game was honestly one of the worst films I've ever seen......and that's saying something, I've seen Gigli.
The end game was honestly one of the worst films I've ever seen......and that's saying something, I've seen Gigli.
- anirog
- 22 may 2006
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Predictable, hackneyed & poorly written. Foolishly I reasoned such a prominent cast would not be involved unless it had merit. I guess competition amongst actors is so intense these days (and will only get worse) that one cannot pick and choose much any more. Early on we were given an inkling who was was instrumental in the assassination and we had it rammed down our throats ever since. The movie lacked intrigue, giving us little insight into the victim and only one possible motive for the murder. Some of the discourse was, frankly, embarrassing! It's hard to believe anyone would even consider, let alone commit to, the spending of tens of millions of dollars to make this tripe.
- nadenclan
- 5 sep 2006
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- dredgemortle
- 20 mar 2006
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You do have a good cast, an interesting story line with, perhaps, an ending which you might not expect which makes for something of an unsatisfactory conclusion. That aside theres plenty of action, a good cast which makes everything quite believable. Lots of activity, chases and such things. Nice cameo by Burt Reynolds. I would call this entertaining, save for the ending, definitely unsuitable for the kids!
- davyd-02237
- 7 dic 2019
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- m-d-kamutzki
- 13 sep 2006
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James Woods is among the GREATEST Actors in Motion-Picture History, I can't look at Cinema minus him. And even in a passable entertainer like 'End Game', where Woods is seen in a role not worthy of his talent, Woods still comes up with Another Terrific Performance! Seriously, has Woods ever been bad?
'End Game' Synopsis: A secret Service agent and a news reporter investigate the conspiracy behind the assassination of the President.
'End Game' is a passable entertainer, that offers fair entertainment. Its not remotely remarkable, but it definitely is worth a watch. This direct-to-DVD flick has an interesting premise & the execution is just fine. The Screenplay is well-paced. Andy Cheng's Direction is apt.
Apart from Woods, there's Cuba Gooding, Jr. in the lead role & he seems to have acted with a lot of sincerity.
On the whole, 'End Game' works till it lasts. For me, this is a James Woods film. His performance is the biggest merit here.
'End Game' Synopsis: A secret Service agent and a news reporter investigate the conspiracy behind the assassination of the President.
'End Game' is a passable entertainer, that offers fair entertainment. Its not remotely remarkable, but it definitely is worth a watch. This direct-to-DVD flick has an interesting premise & the execution is just fine. The Screenplay is well-paced. Andy Cheng's Direction is apt.
Apart from Woods, there's Cuba Gooding, Jr. in the lead role & he seems to have acted with a lot of sincerity.
On the whole, 'End Game' works till it lasts. For me, this is a James Woods film. His performance is the biggest merit here.
- namashi_1
- 1 oct 2012
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- AndyMcGinnis
- 15 jun 2006
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I love a good action film and this delivers non-stop. Cuba is (as always) excellent, as are Anne, James and the rest of the senior cast. I always love that big smile from Cuba, but never got it from this one. (The story is way too intense!) Without using a spoiler, I will say that I did have some trouble believing a 'civilian' (reporter) would be 'permitted' in on so much but HEY, it's a movie and it works. again, without giving away anything I might have envisioned several other options for the ending, but it still played well. Whatever minor flaws there were in the script (my opinion) were MORE than made up for by the action. It was well shot, but it's largely the editing that keeps you doubting your last guess. Just enough to tease, not enough to be 'confident'. Well worth the admission and time. Go see it!
Reed Kalisher S. Florida
Reed Kalisher S. Florida
- ReedKalisher
- 11 nov 2005
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This movie had a crazy good trailer, crazy good cast, and I was very excited to see it. The plot was action packed and mysterious. Just the right ingredients for a great thriller.
Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Angie Harmon worked very well together. Great chemistry and clever quips between the two of them. The supporting cast was great and added a whole new layer to the plot. Being on the run from potential bad guys (everyone's a suspect), there are some tense moments.
And the bad guys? The bad guys were very scary and very effective. I tell ya, this movie had it all. I was keyed on the entire time. From beginning to end. And just when you think you know who did it --- exactly. The ending will leave you wanting more, believe me.
Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Angie Harmon worked very well together. Great chemistry and clever quips between the two of them. The supporting cast was great and added a whole new layer to the plot. Being on the run from potential bad guys (everyone's a suspect), there are some tense moments.
And the bad guys? The bad guys were very scary and very effective. I tell ya, this movie had it all. I was keyed on the entire time. From beginning to end. And just when you think you know who did it --- exactly. The ending will leave you wanting more, believe me.
- lcampbell022892
- 25 ene 2012
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This movie was like a bad indie with A-list talent. The plot was silly, all the way to the end. It reminded me very much of something churned out for the home video market in the 1980's. I would have given it a one, but there were brief moments when you could see the actors really really straining to make this worthwhile. I think the worst thing was the underwater scene's held off of the dock. The underwater lighting seemed to come from no were, and whenever someone we were supposed to care about was close to running out of air, this air tank would kind of appear. I would avoid this, unless there is nothing else on the shelf. Good Day.
- Andrew-982
- 22 may 2006
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This Movie had some great actors in it! Unfortunately they had forgotten how to act. I was hoping the movie would get better as it went along but the acting was so robotic it was doomed from the very start. It actually appeared that maybe the actors were reading from a script the whole time. Maybe it was the Musical score or the Director himself, but one thing is for sure the Make-up artist needs to get another job ! The Facial Powder was so thick you could see it caked on the actors faces ! Would not recommend this movie to anyone, no wonder it never hit the Theaters. Cuba Gooding Jr. / James Woods shame on you guys for not giving it your all. The Plot was great just needed a whole lot more.
- eduardoperucci
- 20 may 2006
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- DashTheGreat
- 15 oct 2006
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