Lies and Illusions - Intrighi e bugie

It's simply incredible that two famous actors accepted to act in such a terrible Z-movie. The script and screenplay are so incredibly poor that it looks like a 5 year old child spent his time in writing this crap. Direction is something which made me hope there was no director, the result could have been better. Really, I can't save anything at all of this movie, the only nice thing is sometimes the soundtrack, but two songs repeated ad infinitum would result boring even if wonderful. Please, avoid this movie if you can, spend your free time in something more intriguing... like sleeping. And actors, were you really so short in money you had to accept it or there was a gun on your head to force you to?

I really wasn't sure whether this was supposed to be a comedy or action flick. Writer Wes Wilson (Christian Slater) falls head over heels for Samantha (Sarah Ann Schultz). Before they get married, she is kidnapped by Isaac (Cuba Gooding, Jr.). Seems she didn't tell Wes all about her past.

Wes has this thing about fast relationships because he soon is shacking with a magazine writer Nicole (Christa Campbell).

Slater seemed to be having a good time; well, he was with Christa Campbell, but Gooding was the main man here. He was just so cool throughout.

Now, Wes might pick another subject to write about as he clearly is not good with relationships.

Things clearly become cartoonish in Spokane. So, maybe this is a comedy after all.

The ending was funny, but it had nothing to do with the story.

I'm just glad to see Campbell in a more meaty role.

Lies & Illusions is an apt title. I felt lied to, deceived...cheated. Cuba Gooding Jnr and Christian Slater must have felt the same way when they saw the finished product. This film is remarkable. It is so utterly hideous that it is remarkable that anyone would actually allow it to be released. The script is weak, the acting weaker and the weird jazz-infused soundtrack is utterly incongruous. The 'special effects' are laughable and the camera-work and production quality are reminiscent of a high school drama project shot on a cheap camcorder. Don't ever willingly subject yourself to this film. I would be reticent to even subject my worst enemy to this abomination.

I'll start by defending myself for actually watching this; someone else made me watch it! This isn't so much a review, but more of a warning. DON'T WATCH IT! The plot if you read the back of the DVD sounds quite promising. A writer's (Christian Slater) fiancé is kidnapped and he finds himself being chased by violent thugs (led by Cuba Golding Jr) who believe he has some diamond that his fiancé stole from them. Nothing groundbreaking about the plot, but OK, could be a good Saturday night action film. Alas no! What we get could be reasonably described as a cheese fest. Appalling acting, an awful plot, dismal effects and shoddy camera work.

Perhaps the most depressing part about this film is watching the death of the careers of two previously promising actors. Christian Slater and Cuba Golding Jr, both have successful films behind them, but both have had a recent string of turkeys, and this should just about finish them off. However to be fair, they are probably the best thing about this film, as the supporting cast are well out of their depths.

At one point in the film, it feels as though it might just save itself in becoming a sort of spoof of action films. The fight scenes and dialogue are so bad it is hilarious. The people watching it with me were laughing harder than we have done with some comedies. The trouble is, the film isn't meant to be funny.

I think this film has one use, to show it in film school to aspiring actors, directors, cameramen etc and explain this is how not to do a film.

This is a very poor film indeed and is not recommended if you have alternative choices. Cant fault Chrstian Slater, he acts impeccably, it is just he must work with a very below average script with some really cheesy and ineffective dialogue. There is no real continuity or coherency in the movie and there is no realism to the diamond dealings at all, the two women are just two charlies angels out of context. Sure there is action and thrills but nothing bolts together at all and you WILL leave the cinema or the DVD room DISAPPOINTED. thankfully its not a long movie and its over before it starts. The potential plot actually is very good, shame nobody worked on it before taking it to the big screen. Oh yes, was there a director for this film? I notice a name but doubt any professional contribution.