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."