journal features
movie reviews
photo of the day

movie review - The Whole Nine Yards

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-seven years and one million words

Sydney, 2000.11.16

I first saw this flick on a plane, and didn't think much of it. I reluctantly agreed to rent it with Sara, and was surprised that despite its definite (and purposeful) B feel, and some pretty patchy writing, this actually works as a comedy.

Willis plays a former mob killer who moves to Montreal to (supposedly) get away from it all. Perry is his neighbour, a screw-up married to a woman his secretary describes as a 'h*ll-b*tch'. Perry's wife sends him to Chicago to rat Willis out to his former bosses, from whom he is now hiding. Insert several double-crossings and killings, and you've got a strangely entertaining flick indeed. I'm not convinced that the cast was having a great time, but it works.

Recommended.

rand()m quote

Talent hits a target no one else can hit. Genius hits a target no one else can see.

—Arthur Schopenhauer