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Plot: What’s it about?
I have only vague memories of Snake Eyes that I figured it would be a perfect time to revisit it for this latest 4K release. I am a bit indifferent towards Brian De Palma, and this is certainly one of his lesser films. While it has improved a little bit for me, it is still a very flawed film and not some hidden or overlooked gem by any means. At the very least, it zips by quickly enough and features an energized performance from Nic Cage in the lead. Still, for the established fans, they will be happy to have it presented nicely on home video. One little side note that I found amusing is Gary Sinise plays a character named Kevin Dunne and actor Kevin Dunn also stars in the film.
The film takes place largely inside a stadium for a big fight night in Atlantic City. It is a boxing match, and we can feel the excitement almost instantly. Rick Santoro (Nicholas Cage) is a character we’re introduced early on, and we can see the flamboyancy right away. He is a police officer who has a lot of shady dealings, but dresses as loudly as he speaks. Santoro is working the event, but he’s clearly more focused on the upcoming fight, and even has money bet on it. He meets up with someone Kevin Dunne (Gary Sinise) with whom he goes way back. Dunne is a Navy Commander who is tasked with protecting the Secretary of Defense Charles Kirkland (Joel Fabiani). The trouble is, Dunne leaves his post and then the Secretary is shot in the neck and is killed. Since Dunne and Santoro have a history together, Santoro decides to help Dunne to concoct a story to cover him since he left his post. Dunne is apprehensive at first, but eventually agrees. I won’t reveal more of the plot as it is best for the viewer to discover. I will say that the early moments and first half of the film work the best. Before long, however, I simply couldn’t care anymore. Your mileage may vary, but the film runs out of steam.
Cage is many things, but he’s rarely boring. Indeed, he is super charged here, but I did feel he tries a bit too hard in this film, at least in its early moments. He settles before long, or it could be that I became more accustomed to his performance style here, but it’s almost as if he’s overcompensating. It is not at all a bad performance, but he starts at an 11 when a little more subtlety would’ve been nice. I think one of my problems with the film is it gets the central mystery out of the way too early and just becomes boring early on. I understand that De Palma was trying to show these characters and how their personal lives are impacted, but they’re just not the most interesting bunch.
Video: How’s it look?
This is a 4K/Blu-Ray combo pack, but I still opted for the former for this review. While I am not entirely sold on 4K as the superior format just yet, I will say that this was one of the better transfers I have seen. I had no issues with the darkness that I usually see, and there’s a bit more sharpness here compared to the standard BD disc which I did sample. Details are strong throughout and great care has been given here.
Audio: How’s it sound?
Also strong is the DTS HD track. There’s a storm in the film during the fight and it was also raining as I watched this film. I bring this up because I had a hard time determining if the rain I heard was just outside my house or from the film. That is meant as a compliment as this track truly delivers. The vocals are fine as well, and the crowd and their banter come alive during much of this film.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Audio Commentary – This track features critics Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson. While it is sad that De Palma couldn’t offer some thoughts, this is still a great track. Right off the bat, these two have plenty to say. I especially liked when they speak of how a film like this almost benefits from its era. Also interesting is talk of how a film like this wouldn’t get made today, at least not the way it is here. This one is well worth a listen.
- Theatrical Trailer
The Bottom Line
While I can appreciate this film, I still wasn’t won over by it. This set is nice for fans as the commentary track and technical aspects are top notch. However, for those who have not seen it, I would advise renting it first rather than a blind purchase.
