F. Gary Gray directs Samuel L Jackson, Kevin Spacey and Paul Giamatti in this action thriller where a framed hostage negotiator takes an Infernal Affairs building hostage.

Pretty much a character actor jamboree. This pairing felt like a hot ticket in 1998. Jackson and Spacey had crept up from ‘That Guy’ roles to name above the title status steadily. By 1998 they felt more viable brands than certain pre-ordained stars (McConaughey, Fiennes, Pitt spring to mind at this point in time). The movie itself is all bluster. There’s actually very little action and Spacey takes an hour to get into the mix. There’s enough here to make a fantastic trailer and an acceptable Saturday night killer.

6

Perfect Double Bill: Fresh (1994)

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