Sans motif apparent

The deal with action/crime movies it's quite complex, more when the objective is to put some drama on it. It's about finding a balance that doesn't include too much violence without taking it all out. It's about creating a story that makes sense and deals with human emotions, so we can care about characters. It's a very challenging goal, difficult t achieve. There must be, anyway, one movie that represents that perfect balance. I've heard "Goodfellas" is the perfect example (or haven't I)…I'll talk about that movie soon. The thing is, that while "No good deed" contains some of the elements required to become a good movie, it has another ones that make it stay behind.

The film tries to hard with the plot twists and it's just a way to waste the time recycling until they can finally get to the ending. There's too much violence and with no credible purposes to help the plot. The movie involves some of the typical things as the intelligent guy and brain, and another stupid man who depends on the brain, because if not he can't do things right. And let's not forget about the spicy ingredient that can't be absent and always works: the girl. What doesn't work is the sexual tension between the girl and (I forgot to mention it) the main guy; a cop, trying to make room for a love story, relating them both as the most important characters.

Bob Rafelson manages to keep us interested with his quick movements in a slow paced film. Writer Christopher Canaan manages to create situations that are motivating enough for the viewer, coming up with very original ideas and attractive supporting characters. Some obvious revelations that are not even revelations are samples of the weakness the film has (you know what the password is when they're trying to figure it out); that together with the lame edition bring this movie down.

This time they chose a very attractive young woman for the part of the girl. This was Milla Jovovich; very attractive and with the acting skills required for this specific job. She had no big problems to play Erin, always seemed comfortable and it looked like the role suited her. Stellan Skarsgard is at his best in Tyrone's skin. Relaxed and natural, he created a memorable character you won't feel bad hating; and that's possibly the best compliment for a villain. In the list of the stereotyped characters, the stupid guy Hoop is played coldly by Doug Hutchison; that guy who I didn't even like in "The Green Mile" and seems to be related to Kevin Spacey because of the way he looks. In a hero character away from clichés, Sam Jackson's Jack Friar brings the actor in top action form since his days in "The long kiss goodnight", "One eight seven" and most recently, "Shaft". A pleasure for me was to see the man in his groove again. Two lovable Grace Zabriskie (Mrs. Quarre) and Joss Ackland (Mr. Quarre), and an underused Jonathan Higgins (David) complete the supporting cast.

The movie succeeds, however, in the aspects we expect the least. It succeeds in character development; making its characters understandable in the situations they're involved and in the way they make their decisions. It explores personality aspects not many other films of this type explore, like the intense peace the main characters find in music; forgetting about everything else…When the movie begins, Jack is playing the cello; and we comprehend that's the only thing that eases him down

Samuel Jackson and Milla Jovovich were superb. However, the story barely uses much of Jackson's talent. The other actors are good to okay. Stellan Skarsgård was terrible. He reads his lines like a high school student. The story was slow to get started and was quite predictable. The movie picks up as it goes along.

Milla Jovovich is beautiful and has never looked as good. She is absolutely mesmerizing to look at in this role.

On a late Saturday night when you are tired, in the mood for a movie, and just don't care what film you see it will do the trick.

Doug Hutchinson is a great Hoop! He was very convining.

Out of 10 stars (where 10 is the highest) I would give it a 5. I must say though Jovovich and Jackson were worth" the price of admission." To bad Hollywood is not ready for a love scene between the two. That would have made this an exceptional cinematic event.

The film talks how a detective called Jack (Samuel L. Jackson) is assigned by his neighbor to find her disappeared daughter . The tracks lead a house where he's abducted by a group of delinquents (Stellan Skarsgard, Milla Jovovich, Doug Hutchinson) about to pull off a bank robbery . As Jack finds himself being held hostage while the nasty bandits decide what to do with him .

The picture is developed on its first part on the sitting room when our protagonist stumbles upon a bizarre gang of criminals , for that reason is a little tiring ; a bit later on , there starts the action and when the movie is amusing and entertaining . In the intervening period to forward is nice and there is thriller , taut , intrigue and suspense leading to finish at a frenetic action and tension . The final confrontation between the starring and the villain enemies is breathtaking and in complete emotion . Samuel L. Jackson and Milla Jovovich's interpretation is top-notch , both of them make the typical couple from noir cinema . He is impetuous and tough , she's liar , impulsive and beautiful . The supporting actors are magnificent (Skarsgard , Hutchinson and two veterans : Joss Ackland and Grace Zabriskie) . Cinematography by Spanish photographer Juan Ruiz Anchia is pretty good and Jeff Beal's musical score is atmospheric . The picture is a little bit violent but happens cruel murders . The motion picture attained limited success ; besides , it made a few box office because of lack luster and budget . The yarn will appeal to action cinema enthusiasts and Samuel L. Jackson fans . Rating : Decent and passable.

Having watched this film, I became bored after about 30 minutes and as it was only just over 90 minutes long I persevered in the hope it would improve!! No chance!!!

The Gang of Six were the WORST band of thieves ever put together in the history of Film Thieves!! Santa Claus, Granny, Psycho, a Member of the Adams family and 9 Toes! All in sync with the dodgy bloke in the bank, who made it so obvious what was going on, he'd have been sussed in an instance!!!

A slow, boring plot....a slow, boring cast....totally lacked invention and motivation.....PLUS, whatever happened to the missing girl???? If her mother was that bothered, why did she never get suspicious when Jack Friar (S L J) never returned???

Dire, Drab and waste of time...If anyone else gets the chance to watch this....DON'T!

"No good Deed", as the DVD is entitled, tells of an off duty cop who stumbles on a house full of bad guys while looking for a lost girl and becomes their prisoner while the messy plot unfolds. Jackson plays a diabetic cop and the cello while Jovovich plays a femme fatale and the piano and their tenuous relationship becomes the only worthy thing developed by the film. Skarsgård (probably the most talented of the cast) and the rest of the core cast play silly caricatures not unlike those found in supermarket paperback novels. This poor attempt at film noir which is adrift between black comedy and shoddy drama is a heavy handed mess lacking finesse, fraught with gaping plot holes, and generally full of filler which contributes nothing to the meager story. Save this turkey (aka: The House on Turk Street) for broadcast when the surfin' is slim. (C+)