Intricate Plot Holds Interest

by Jason R. Hewlett

First off: I am a huge fan of "A Simple Plan"'s director, Sam Raimi. He's got a brilliant visual style and energy that has been showcased in some awesomely offbeat films such as "Evil Dead," "Army of Darkness," and "The Quick and the Dead." He's mastered cartoon/"Three Stooges" style mayhem and made it mainstream and entertaining. That's why I'm a bit disappointed in his latest film. It lacks his patented visual spark and wit. It looks alot like any other movie really save for a few camera setups (eg. Shot from behind a fireplace and a few pans around scenery). it's almost like he's gone legit to get some validity.

I hope he gets it!

"A Simple Plan" is an intricately plotted, masterfully directed and acted study of greed and the corruption of the soul. Raimi shows here that he is more than just a visual stylist...he's an actor's director too. He takes well know actors like Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thorton, and Bridget Fonda (all excellent performers in their own right) and draws such stunning performances out of them that you no longer see them as actors playing a role. They are these characters and, over the course of the films two hour plus running time, we get to know them quite intimately...warts and all. It's a rare, wonderful thing to see in a movie. I'm glad Thorton got his supporting actor nomination, he's just excellent here, but I wish the rest off the cast was recognized as well. Raimi should have too.

The screenplay is by Scott B. Smith and based on his book of the same name. The story revolves around three men, Paxton and Thorton are brothers and the third (played by Brent Briscoe) is a friend, who come across a plane full of money in the woods. Thorton and Briscoe want to take the money but Paxton is reluctant. After a bit of cajoling the three men are $4.4 million richer and the rest of the film is us seeing how they digress into lying, murderous thieves to keep it. It's a sometimes slow, but always fascinating film to watch with burst of shocking violence put in here and there. After watching this movie you won't ever pick up spare change again!

This is definitely adult entertainment. Teens looking for a hip night out should got to "She's All That" or something of that sort (several teens left the theater during the screening I saw). Everyone else should stick it out. You won't be disappointed.

Hopefully next time out Raimi will get the chance to showoff both his visual and performance talents!!

8.5 out of 10!