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Knockaround Guys
(Reviewed July 15, 2002)
-
This is a pretty lousy mob movie that can't make up its mind whether it is a bad drama or a dull comedy. Younger-generation Jersey hoods lose flight bag full of money, fly to Montana to get it back, encounter local characters...ugh, you just don't want to know. The only thing that makes this movie look good is the fact that the shriekingly horrendous "Deuces Wild" was released the same year. (And what kind of title is "Knockaround Guys," anyway? Okay, sure, "Goodfellas" and "Wiseguy" are taken, but "Knockaround Guys?" Sheesh!)
Having said that, there is one thing about this misbegotten mess that shines like a diamond. John Malkovich is good as a lisping hood, but the breakout in this cast is superstar-in-the-making Vin Diesel, who plays the "muscle" of the group. Whatever it is that makes a guy burn up the screen with heat, this dude's got it. He's big, tough, convincing and simultaneously likable but intimidating as hell. This movie is a big waste of time, but it definitely whets the appetite for Diesel's next role as a badass secret-agent in next month's "XXX." Move over, James Bond!
Back Row Grade: D
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