Out of Time

"Out of Time" takes its cue from "Charade" and any number of Hitchcock films in which an innocent person becomes enmeshed in a complex scheme perpetrated by people who are not what they pretend to be. Though we can never take "Out of Time" seriously even for a single moment, the film does do a good job spinning out its story, making us empathize with a man whose entire career is on the line should the finger of suspicion alight on him. It is Washington's job here to make sure he stays two steps ahead of everyone else to prevent that from happening, and it is in watching him frantically do so that we derive our pleasure. It is, however, imperative that we suspend our disbelief for the duration of the film in order to enjoy it.

Washington isn't required to do a great deal of acting here and one wishes that he would choose roles with a bit more substance and meat to them. But ever since he won his Oscar for "Training Day," he seems to be content to kill time appearing in efficient but soulless exercises such as this one ("Antwone Fisher" being the obvious exception). "Out of Time" is perfectly enjoyable while you're watching it, but it doesn't stick with you in any meaningful way once it's over. Washington can - and, I'm sure, will - do better in the future.


DEAN CAIN IS SMOKIN' HOT   December 5, 2003
3 out of 8 found this review helpful

I've read several reviews of this movie, and they all fail to mention the most important fact--that Dean Cain is absolutely to-die-for (no pun intended) in this so-so movie. I never liked him that much before, but he does wonders for a goatee here. I practically lived for his few blessed minutes of screen time.
Why isn't this gorgeous, talented actor in more movies as opposed to actors like Vin Diesel, who have no talent and are not even good-looking? You've got me.
That said, the movie is all right, with the Florida flavor adding much to the plot. Eva Mendes is gorgeous as always, and Denzel is okay, too. Sanaa Lathan is very good (and also, very much up to the demands of her role), but the movie may seem predictable to some, highly implausible to others. Nevertheless, it's full of twists and turns, good looking actors, and all that Florida scenery. Really, for a "new" film noir, it's pretty darn good.
Please watch this movie, if only for the very sexy and highly underrated DEAN CAIN.


Absolute garbage   April 11, 2004
3 out of 8 found this review helpful

What was Denzel Washington thinking? This films plot is a complete mess. There is no flow between ANY of the scenes and the film doesn't even have a shred of credibility as to how circumstances unfold.
The problem is this, the film sets the stage as being a realistic, intelligent, suspense thriller, and then doesn't deliver ( at least not the first two ). The story goes way out there, as not a single police officer/agent is doing their job correctly, as well as not a single person acting with any rationale at all. In fact, can anyone make any sense of any one's motives when all is said and done?
I felt let down more so than some others may be, being a huge Denzel Washington fan as well as a suspense thriller enthusiast.
Oh and be prepared to nod off to sleep every so often, this movie is soooooo predicatable most of the time and the dialogue so cliched, you can probably miss half of it and still recite it line by line.
I can't recommend this to anyone, not even people I dislike.