My experience with David Cronenberg has been rather disappointing, and this film is no exception. After an interesting opening sequence, and what appears to be the build up of something brilliant to come, the film ends up boring, average and at times, laughable. What saves it are some fine performances, and a few commendable scenes, but the "twist" is so weak and uninspired that it sucked most of the film's credibility dry.
As far as performances go, Viggo Mortensen is memorable and Vincent Cassell, Naomi Watts and Armin Mueller-Stahl are effective.
I can't become king if someone else already sits on the throne
6/10
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
