filmklassik

This movie has a few things going for it, not the least being the first-rate performance by Rosamund Pike as a crafty, ruthless con woman. She's terrific. So is Peter Dinklage as the equally ruthless gangster who opposes her. And the plot is original (and as nasty as Pike and Dinklage).

But the story goes off the rails in the second half, when what begins as a compelling and (mostly) cerebral duel of wits between two competing villains - crafty female con artist and vindictive Russian gangster - becomes an exercise in borderline-farcical, Coen Brothers-inspired mayhem. And it simply doesn't work here. And the VERY end (last 15 minutes or so) is a total mess.

So the first hour is fun and compelling and rates a solid B or B-plus, while the second hour rates a ... well, see me after class.

Two strong performances, though - particularly Pike's.

My score: 5.