Dead Heat - Pari à haut risque

I ordered this DVD without even seeing the movie first, because I am a fan of both Kiefer Sutherland and of Anthony LaPaglia. From the little I read about it, I thought it was gonna be a straight drama, so, what a pleasant surprise to find so much humor in the movie. Kiefer, after working non-stop for years, is finally getting long over-due recognition for his excellent work in FOX TV's "24", and Anthony LaPaglia has been a fave since I saw him in the much underseen "29th Street". These two stars have great onscreen chemistry and it makes for a fun movie to watch. Kiefer plays a cop who is forced to retire after a heart attack, and isn't happy about being sidelined at age 35. Anthony plays his "on the other side of the law" hyper half-brother, who drags him kicking, into buying a racehorse. They get involved with mob guys and there are some very dark moments due to the danger suddenly brought to their lives, but, that horse brings Kiefer back to life and he and his brother will do anything to keep it. I think you'll like this flick.

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.

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.

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!!

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

I rented this movie because I'm a Kiefer Sutherland fan and I was really surprised! It's a really good story. It's cute, funny and original. The actors deliver great performances! There is a love story, an action story and some good laughs. It's about Pally Lamar, an ex-cop whose a bit depressed. To get him back on track his step brother proposes they buy a slow racing horse since Pally loves horses. They make this horse into a winner with the help of a unlucky gambler that's also their horse's jockey. By doing this, they get the attention of some mafia bosses who want the horse. It's an original story definitely worth watching. I definitely recommend it! I will give it an 8 because the plot can be a little far-fetched at times.