The Way of the Gun (R) No Rating

Review Date: September 8th, 2000

Ryan Phillippe and Benicio Del Toro are two career criminals who try to pull off the heist of their lives. It turns out to be their bloodiest.

Story

"The Way of the Gun" is a twisting, "Pulp Fiction"-esque drama in which two cold-blooded criminals abduct a surrogate mother carrying a wealthy couple's child, hoping to score a quick $15 million. Experts at spraying lead, they're not exactly playing with a full clip when it comes to planning a complicated kidnap operation. The job gets particularly tricky when the father decides to play hardball -- and calls in a pestering bagman (James Caan) to negotiate.

Acting

Caan steals every scene he's in as the older, more experienced hired gun who meets with one of the kidnappers and tries to negotiate a more hassle-free exchange, but for much less money. Del Toro makes for a good conniving criminal, and Phillippe's many admirers will no doubt enjoy gazing at his good looks and freshly formed facial foliage.

Direction

Oscar-winning screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie ("The Usual Suspects") makes his directorial debut with this little gem. The story sometimes strays into confusing territory, but it all comes together in the end.

Bottom Line

A bloody good time.

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Starring Ryan Phillippe, Benicio Del Toro, James Caan, Juliette Lewis and Taye Diggs.

Written and directed by Christopher McQuarrie. Produced by Kenneth Kokin. Released by Artisan Entertainment.