Scene da un crimine

The main problem I have with "Scenes of the Crime" is that none of the characters are likable. They are all either gangsters or on the take. The film is extremely claustrophobic, taking place mostly inside a van or in a deli. The movie is also confusing, with lots of unseen characters being mentioned, and speaking of characters, none are really well developed. The presence of Bob Gunton, and R. Lee Ermey is a plus, while Jeff Bridges, playing against type, is a hard sell as a mob boss. The whole thing, although supposedly based on fact, is difficult to swallow, because it never feels genuine. Although the acting isn't bad, the entertainment value is questionable. - MERK

is the one word I think sums up this movie. Not much happens. A lot of the story takes place in the back of a van. A get-a-away driver for a thug gets caught up in a mess. He holds another gangster hostage in the back of a van, while the rival gangster's associates wait in cars along the street trying to solve the situation without a big scene. 2 shop owners also play a small role because the van is parked in front of their store. Also, 2 painters who are covering up the windows on a neighboring building play a role. But, you don't find out why their job is key to the story till the end.

FINAL VERDICT: Boring, slow. Even though it is only 90 minutes long, it still seemed a lot longer because there isn't much action. I don't recommend this.

This captivating little film obviously benefits by the great performances of the three male leads - Bridges, Abrahams and Wyle.

A mob boss' driver (Abrahams) accidentally gets mixed up in much more than he bargained and prepared for when a rival mob boss (Bridges) is kidnapped by his associate (Peter Greene) and bundled into the back of his van.

A very stagy film, with a very TV feel to it, its basically all shot in one location throughout but still manages to hold the viewers attention.

Only one negative, and its a big one - the ending. Just as the story seems as though its changing direction and gathering pace it ends abruptly, which spoils the film and leaves the viewer feeling cheated having to make do with the conclusion of the story and its characters hastily captioned on screen. Such a shame because an extra 15 mins of action instead of 15 seconds of words could have made this film a real find.

This is a typical crime film made in the late nineties and early two thousands, focusing on the supporting characters more than the lead; if you have even leads.... It is fast paced, with good directing skills, camera angles. Maybe a bit too complex to floow and then to summarize. I like the Jeff Bridges' character. From actual events.

According to the credits the movie is based on actual events. And I think it's a quite interesting story. "Scary Movie's" Jon Abrahams, "ER's" Noah Wyle, "Twin Peaks'" Madchen Amick and of course Jeff Bridges himself make a very good cast in a film, that's definitely not a typical production. Though the story is a bit predictable, and some scenes make you wonder why the characters act the way they do, but I found it very entertaining. Mostly because it's a story of a typical young guy (Jon Abrahams), who tries to earn some "extra cash" and by accident he gets involved in a conflict between two gangs. It made me wonder what would I do in a situation like this.

Anyway, if you want a lot of action, don't waste your time. This movie is very "static" and "slow", but I believe it's worth seeing.