Search - Crime Spree on DVD

Stylish, comedy, satire film about Chicago underworld visite

Pork Chop | Lisbon, Portugal | 01/30/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"CRIME SPREE (2003), is an acquired taste for some viewers,
considering has limited commercial potential in the USA, from the
fact that at least 2 French music superstars - Johnny Halliday and
Renaud - are absolute, total unknowns anywhere else than in France.

Because musicians are trained in music, and not acting, most
viewers' may also shy away from renting this DVD, if not for the
sometimes difficult accents of the actors when they read their
lines.

The DVD benefits from the well-accepted and legendary actors Harvey
Keitel, playing a caporegime/ pesonovante in the Chicago area, and
Gerard Depardieu - both with millions of fans internationally,
bringing their natural presence to the work. Abe Vigoda, often
typecast as a soldier in the mob ( Puzzo's Godfather) or as the
number 1, in this work, is also present.

Focusing on the Chicago area underworld of Black and Hispanic
gangs, Italian mob, corrupt FBI agents, the movie has no goal in
limiting itself to a rabid, close-minded crime story.

Rather, there's a 50/50 fusion of comedy, satire, lighter moments
throughout the picture, some gags more effective than others, joined
with the necessary other serious ones in the story, so as to not
disrespect the viewers who are there not for the humor, but for the
tense, thrill and action aspects. So, the film packs entertainment
for both publics, the serious and the silly minded, the masculine
and the feminine combined into one.

The DVD consciously made a point of being stylish, classy in a
certain sense perhaps from its European roots. e.g. perhaps 30 or
more scenes of Paris, and as many in Chicago, of famous landmarks,
are shown, suggesting a international cooperation or fraternity
between America and France, at least in the underworld.

Of course, the required controversial elements are introduced, such
as strip clubs, peep shows, pistols and shotguns, switchblades,
muggings, baseball bat assaults. The movie also is resolute in its
decision in only showing 1970's vintage American cars driven by the
gang members, as if to perpetuate a certain stereotype that's sunk
into the minds of the cinephiles.

The soundtrack is as talented and discerning in its selections as is
are the styling visuals, emphasizing the entertainment and "feel
good" aspect of the overall work."