L'ultima corsa

Naïve story of a retired policemen (Kiefer) after heart conditions, his world collapses including his marriage, smoking and drinking going fast into a self-destruction, almost perpetrate a suicide, then appears his unmatched friend (LaPaglia), a sort of a liar, scoundrel among others nameless "qualities " to buy a horse for a true bargain, they call a top-notch jockey to joint as partner, that's the problem, this guy is a compulsive jinx gambler, who owe 80.000 bucks to the mob, fine premise indeed, however the movie starts in slow pace, perhaps the best thing that the picture offers is LaPaglia's funniest performance, well developed sense of humor, the remaining was spoils by the awful Hollywood's formula a packet of romance, altruism and the happy ending, let it see easily, nevertheless nothing fresh at sight!!! Mainly by more demanding custumers!!

Resume:

First watch: 2019 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 6.25

Although Dead Heat lacks in budgeting it doesn't lack in casting. This cast works well as a team with no single actor trying to "hog" screen time. With a good balance of deep thought and funny moments Dead Heat can please many viewers at a time. The cinematography is wonderful and there are many shots that will take your breath away as you watch this film. However, weakness does occur in the storyline, but most of the time the viewer is too busy watching the movie to really care. It is only on third or fourth viewings that one really notices these flaws. Sutherland and LaPaglia work wonderfully together and create a very black and white duo on screen. This movie draws much humor from the disagreements between their characters because the dialogue is witty and the body language is accurate.It is a shame this movie can't be found in very many video stores as it is the perfect addition to any Sutherland or LaPaglia fans movie collection.

Ok, so this isn't a great movie. But, it's entertaining, and the chemistry is spot-on. I admit, I dug the so-so romance between Sutherland and his estranged wife. I found the entire plot, while ill-constructed, fun enough to pass as a really well-meaning movie. It was fun, and the acting was good all around. Being the sucker for saucy fellows that I am, seeing Sutherland as such a good person was rather surprising, but he played it well all the same. I can't say I'd recommend this one for anything more than the channel surfer or the die hard Sutherland fan, but it's got some great moments and a fun little story, despite moments of obvious cheese and silliness.

This is an enjoyable movie with polished acting, humerous one liners and a plot that sees a cop who has retired on medical grounds thrown into a situation that would see his doctor wanting to put him back in the force.

It is not the most original movie you will see, with the now expected cast including, the ex-wife, dodgy brother and cute bad kid BUT throw in a bent jockey, cheap racehorse and the mob and the whole thing ticks along nicely. This movie won't win oscars but will win friends...6.5/10

The story seems to wander a lot, but somehow holds together enough to be enjoyable. The mixture of comedy and violence at times does not work well, and is the main fault I have with "Dead Heat". Kiefer Sutherland and Anthony LaPaglia have good chemistry when the film is in comedy mode, but their relationship loses steam as the drama increases. Daniel Benzali deserves special mention. He is excellent as the heavy. The racing scenes are unpolished, and by the way, what racetrack keeps horses in a corral? The on again, off again, love interest between Kiefer and and Radha Mitchell is somewhat redundant and could have been trimmed. Marginally recommended. - MERK