It seems to me this is the quickest remake of all time. The original Argentinean film NINE QUEENS (unseen by me) was released in 2000. With the original barely off the new release shelves at Blockbuster, we get the U.S. remake by first time director Gregory Jacobs, who has worked with Steven Soderbergh on several films as second unit director and producer.
The story begins with con man Richard Gaddis (John C. Reilly, CHICAGO) scoping out a casino for a new con man to take as a partner. He discovers and ingeniously helps out newbie Rodrigo, aka Brian (Diego Luna, OPEN RANGE). The two end up involved in a currency scam for six figures.
As all con films go, the double crossing is rampant and no one can trust anyone. Even Richard’s hotel manager sister Valerie (Maggie Gyllenhaal, SECRETARY) gets wrapped up in the proceedings. The more we come to know Richard the less we like him, because he has no scruples. He’ll con anyone it seems. Rodrigo quickly becomes sympathetic and we hope so hard that he doesn’t loose his shirt in the deal.
Reilly is a great choice as the lead con man. He brings an unsettling anger to the performance that I've never seen from him before. Luna brings a naiveté to his role, which inherently adds tension, because we don’t know if he is going to get played or is doing the playing. Gyllenhaal is always good and allows us to see her brother through a different perspective.
After seeing just a few con man flicks it’s hard to get tricked, but this one succeeds wonderfully. The film twists are character motivated and change the entire film. I like a good con flick and this is a good one.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
