Quick Movie Reviews
Rating of
3.5/4
Logan D. McCoy - wrote on 08/12/2019
A robbery is plotted, a plan goes awry, and lives are altered forever. This is "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead," a heartbreakingly tragic cautionary tale of want and director Sidney Lumet's final film.
Rating of
3/4
Matthew Brady - wrote on 03/06/2014
The film is about two brothers hatch a scheme to rob the jewelry store owned by their parents and the ensuing results are disastrous. This movie was like a Quentin Tarantino film with the back and forward with the story and the characters. the acting is brilliant and the script is fresh and shape.
Rating of
3.5/4
dukeakasmudge - wrote on 09/12/2011
Talk about a dyfunctional family!!!! This was the most messed up movie Ive EVER seen.Usually in movies things start off bad for the characters & end up good but this movie went from bad to worse for everybody
Rating of
3/4
Sgt. Jazoof - wrote on 02/07/2011
Non-linear heist/family drama/suspense- good tension, some impatience felt with reverse time leaps, greta culmination and moral dillemas. Reminiscient of "Headwound".
Rating of
2.5/4
Gabe - wrote on 05/27/2009
Sidney Lumet tried to channel his inner Tarantino with this one. It kind of works, but if you want to see a movie about a jewelry store robbery that goes bad see Resevoir Dogs.
Rating of
2.5/4
Alex - wrote on 09/11/2008
I have seen this formula before - at least twice (The Killing and Reservoir Dogs). Both were better. This is not too bad. Great acting, decent music, and fresh story telling. Good for a one time watch.
Rating of
3/4
patjohnson76 - wrote on 07/24/2008
Interesting story, as two brothers down on their luck choose to rob their parents' jewelry store. Things, of course, don't go as planned and we as the viewer sit back and watch everything fall to pieces. There's a lot to like here - intriguing story, interesting characters, and a strong cast. Of course, given what happens and how the story ends up, it's not exactly a happy ending.
Rating of
3/4
goodfellamike - wrote on 06/24/2008
Hoffman and Hawke play hard-up brothers who hatch a scheme to rob their parents’ suburb jewelry store in this engrossing thriller directed by 83-year-old Lumet. The plan goes horribly wrong, leaving a wake of chaos for everyone involved, including parents (Finney and Harris), Hoffman’s trophy wife (Tomei) and Hawke’s accomplice friend (O’Byrne). More character-driven than action-packed as each character spirals down into a moral quagmire, though the fate of one of the brothers is left in question. Solid movie for those who like their thrillers edgy and believable. Final Grade: B
Rating of
3/4
BryanFury - wrote on 02/21/2008
The film delivered awesome performances from Hoffman and Hawke. The story was breathtaking, every bit of it. It was like pouring cold water down my face when that climactic beginning unfolds right before my very eyes. I was really impressed by how much Ethan Hawke developed his acting skills through the years. Always playing this sort of scared character like the one he played in Training day, which I think is flawless and believable. The ending is also equally intense and there are a lot more things to look forward to in this two hour devilish ride. So overall I think what carried the movie to me is one, intense acting and two an even more intense story. It is just sad to see a film as good this didn't even have that opportunity to shine.
