Christopher Walken Movie:

The Opportunists Reviews:
Walken in small, satisfying film
2008-05-29 - This 2000 independent film has some of the feel of a quiet short story, told at leisurely length. Part of this impression comes from easy pacing, of course, but it's reinforced by a simple story and low-key performances. Christopher Walken, in particular, plays the main character with measured but effortless quiet intensity, inward and reserved but not entirely closed. He makes even the tensest moments seem muted. It's this performance that only Walken could give in just this way that's the most engaging aspect of the film.

In terms of story this is a mild ex-con-gets-drawn-back-for-one-more-job heist movie. The setting is the suburban Sunnyside neighborhood of Queens in New York. Walken is the ex-con ex-safecracker who is having severe problems making ends meet while trying to make his way legally. His difficulties are presented to the point of redundancy, making sure we sympathize with him as a decent, ordinary man (as ordinary as an expert safecracker played by Christopher Walken can be) stretched to his limits. An element of mystery is added in a character claiming to be Walken's cousin from the old country, Ireland, who may not be who he claims to be. There are twists in the story, though I didn't find them surprising. One key twist was oddly telegraphed, maybe to add tension. There's enough suspense to hold interest. There is at least one rather large implausibility about the ending, but for the most part the story holds together well. There's some interesting detail in the heist preparation. Little violence, rated R for language.

Walken's no-nonsense girlfriend is played by Cyndi Lauper, who does a fine job, though the role doesn't ask much of her. The cast is strong for the most part, with some colorful supporting characters. The subdued performances are perhaps made more realistic by not going for the usual extremes.

This was writer/director Myles Connell's first and, so far, only feature film. The film was initially developed at the Sundance Filmmakers Lab in 1995, and premiered to good reviews at Sundance in 2000. I enjoyed it and would be interested in seeing more from Connell, especially if he can gather another cast this good.

Fans of Walken will enjoy seeing him play a more normal person than usual. Fans of heist movies will probably be pleased if they don't expect a lot of action or violence. Independent film fans who like a gentle character sketch should also enjoy this.

This Concert Rocks!
2005-03-20 - I recently purchased this after seeing how much I enjoy the "Live...At Last" DVD. Cyndi puts on such an incredible show! So much energy and passion and of course, that incredible voice! This is pure 80's and a must-have for any Cyndi fan.

GREAT ACTING BY CYNDI LAUPER
2004-06-29 - CHRISTOPHER WALKEN PLAYS AN EX CON WHO GETS BACK INTO CRIME BY HIS FRIENDS AND HIS SO CALLED IRISH RELATIVE.WALKENS DESPERTLY NEEDS MONEY, SO HE SAYS YES TO HIS FRIENDS ON PLANNING TO ROB A SAFE.LAUPER PLAYS WALKENS GIRLFRIEND WHO OWNS A BAR AND HAS HAD ENOUGH OF WALKENS OLD HABITS.GREAT ACTING BY EVEYONE IN FILM, IN THIS DREARY HOMELIFE TYPE OF FILM THAT HAS A INTERESTING STORY.