Review of Kiss of Death

Introduction

Given the high profile cast attached to this film, I was quite surprised to find that I had never heard of it, especially as it was a re-make of an earlier film. It was made before Nicolas Cage`s career really took off, but I`m surprised that they didn`t try and cash in on Samuel L. Jackson`s higher profile from Pulp Fiction and David Caruso`s high TV profile from NYPD Blue.

The film hasn`t really harmed any careers though, perhaps with the exception of Caruso who hasn`t had a decent part since he left NYPD Blue. This film is unlikely to have won him any new fans. Look out for Michael Rapaport (who probably hasn`t had a good part recently either) doing his best Eminem impression - maybe Marshall Mathers based Eminem on his character?

The plot is pretty much by-the-numbers as a crook tries to go straight, but is lured back to do that fateful "one last job". Of course, this goes wrong and he ends up on the wrong side of the law, with his life falling apart around him. How will he get his life back on track and survive in the outside world once more?

Video

Maybe the fact that no-one saw it meant that there was a nice clean print, as we get a spotless 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer. But apart from that there`s very little to say about it, as this is no visual feast, just a visual light snack at best.

Standard locations include the seedy nightclub, prison visiting room, FBI safe house by the lake and cheap apartment block. Nothing to get excited about.

Audio

A DD5.1 soundtrack although you`ll hardly notice as it`s rather dull and lifeless. Music sometimes makes use of more than one channel, but this is largely a centre-locked dialogue film. Perhaps that`s a tiny bit harsh as there are a few good moments, but I did feel that there were a lot of missed opportunities along the way.

Functional but not much more.

Features

Given the low profile, you won`t be expecting a lot, and you won`t get a lot. A "featurette" which is just an extended version of the trailer that`s also on the disc, and some brief interviews with cast and crew, some of which are already in the featurette.

Uninspiring.

Conclusion

The film is definitely a by-the-numbers affair, with a mixed bag of performances. Cage is just "over the top" enough to make you wince, Jackson is a let-down and Caruso is just annoying. The story plods along and you`ll probably have worked it all out along the way.

It`s just about entertaining enough for a rental, but only if everything else is out. Picture quality is fine and sound is good enough, with a brief selection of extras.

Overall, this is a very average film on a reasonable disc.