From Deseret News archives:
Out of Time
Film review
Not that it's necessarily a better movie than audiences might be expecting. In fact, in some ways it may be even more disappointing especially in light of how much potential is missed.
This dramatic thriller wastes some good performances, some snappy dialogue and some surprisingly tense pacing by falling back on some conveniently convoluted plotting and unlikely character development. And by too easily clearing up some of the film's initial moral ambiguity, the filmmakers make those characters less interesting. In addition, the oddly cheery ending leaves a lingering bad taste; it's simply unjustified and makes little sense.
The film might be better titled "One Step Ahead," when you consider that the story is about a cop, Matt Whitlock (Denzel Washington), who finds himself scrambling to erase a trail of evidence that links him to two mysterious deaths. And there's quite a bit of evidence. It turns out Matt and the dead man, Chris Harrison (Dean Cain), weren't exactly on good terms. Worse, he was carrying on an affair with the female victim (Sanaa Lathan), the dead man's wife.
It probably would have made a better story if we weren't told right off that Washington's character is not guilty. And the fact that we're put in the position of rooting for someone who's committing a crime (concealing and tampering with evidence in a murder case) doesn't help.
Still, thanks to skilled director Carl Franklin, the material comes off a little better than it should. There are a few tense scenes, and the occasional injection of humor is a wise move.
Washington seems a little unsure about whether his character is supposed to be a good guy, and his performance is a bit tentative. Mendes, on the other hand, begs for more screen time than she gets. The same came be said of supporting performer John Billingsley, who nearly steals the show as the town's wisecracking medical examiner.
"Out of Time" is rated PG-13 for violence (gunplay, some brawling, peril and some evident domestic abuse), strong scenes of simulated sex (discreet but intense), scattered use of strong profanity (including one use of the so-called "R-rated" curse word) and some vulgar sex talk and references. Running time: 108 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com
Comments
Cast: Denzel Washington, Evan Mendes, Sanaa Lathan, Dean Cain
Find a Movie Theater
- Court denies claim of convict 5:21 p.m.
- Student convicted of murder in Italy 5:18 p.m.
- Deadline set to file for McCoy's seat 5:02 p.m.
- Salahis bounced $24K check 4:41 p.m.
- Players like concussion rules 4:40 p.m.
- Obama's stylish aide under scrutiny 4:37 p.m.
- GOP national convention in SLC? 4:36 p.m.
- Ruling appealed in teen beating case 4:27 p.m.
- Highland may pay for burned home 4:18 p.m.
- Baby born on SLC bound flight 4:00 p.m.
- Mr. Football 2009: Tuni Kanuch
- 5A high school football All-State
- Expert paid $500K for Mitchell report
- Miller predicted Tiger's rough road
- Harpring's NBA career is over
- Utah Jazz going green with unis
- 4A high school football: All-State
- Nutty Putty Cave to be sealed today
- MVPs wrap up stellar prep careers
- Jazz: Miles, Kirilenko to play Friday
- Hall reprimanded by MWC
408 - Max Hall issues apology
393 - Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
362 - Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?
292 - Utes won't respond to Hall
278 - BYU says Hall incident resolved
247 - Letters: Liberal because LDS
229 - 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game
188 - Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry
181 - Aggies shoot past Cougars
179
I hope my sons learn from the example Matt has set. He's the kind of man...
"Risk management plans can include: safety labeling, educational campaigns...
So many fans like to rave about Matthews and his great defense. Why is he...
Re: Another mama. I couldn't agree with you any stronger. Don't judge is...
Mr. Woods only needs to answer the legal consequences of the accident. He...
Sure arrest the conservative boss that hires an illegal alien. He will just...
I'm not a bicyclist, so I don't have a dog in this hunt, but it doesn't take...
Yeah, even Wal-Mart has a greeter. I'm NO fan of the clueless,...
Methinks there are too many Scrooges rating this movie. We loved it!
Ah yes, little brother syndrome exists at USU as well. They live to hate BYU...





You can be the first to comment on this story.