The movie is directed by Martin Campbell, and even though the movie contains over-exposition, I still find it interesting. Cornered by federal authorities, a wealthy criminal named Jack devises a scheme to fake his own death. This is to claim a life insurance of $30 million, then find a way to frame his wife's lover, Chad, for his death. He made this plan known to his wife without needing to hide details. While he wanted his death faked, his wife wanted him dead for real (this was because she has a share in Jack's company), then frame Chad for his death.
Between these two gamers, Chad was the naive guy they all planned to use for their game. In this movie, the family was portrayed as people who love games, each one trying hard to outsmart the other even when it feels almost impossible. So they no longer hide their plans; they tell each other what they intend to do, not minding what the other has in mind to do. They both knew how smart the other was, but somehow they hoped they would pull it through. Jack wanted to fake his death while his wife Nora wanted his death to be real.
One might think as if they don't love each other, but they were the perfect match. However, where there's money, greed always finds its way in. Chad, the naive guy who felt he had found a lover and one who knows how to satisfy his sexual demands, wasn't aware that he was the bait, especially when both parties made him imagine a dream he wasn't sure of living.
However, where the story falls short is the over-exposition. It left no room for tension because every plan they had in mind was already exposed. Characters were forced to endlessly explain their scheme out loud, draining the mystery from the room, and the movie might feel like an outdated crime era to some. However, the cinematographer did an excellent job.
It's a crime movie that focuses on a game of minds. The movie might leave you wondering what happens next, but then you may feel bored if you prefer mystery and high tension in a movie.
Rating: 70/100
