Thick as Thieves (1999)

"Thick as Thieves" is a terrific, fast-paced film with exceptional (and very funny) dialogue. As some of the other reviewers have stated, Michael Jai White is exceptional, but the same can be said about Baldwin and the rest of the cast. How many perfectly putrid or at best mediocre films were released and heavily promoted in 1999 while this little gem was swept under the rug? Watch and listen carefully. You'll be glad that you did.

I have seen this movie at least 50 times and plan to see it whenever it appears on cable. I will probably also rent it whenever it is not available on cable. It is without a doubt the best screenplay and best directed movie I have ever viewed. If you have an opportunity to recommend this movie to a friend, I strongly recommend that you do so. Though I doubt that it could bring them as much joy as it brings me each time I see it, I am sure they will enjoy it.Signed, Scott's Mom

This ranks up there with "Freeway" and "Truth or Consequences, NM" as far as pleasant surprises go. Those movies with semi-interesting covers at the video store that you chck out on a whim. The ones you really know nothing about, and sit there slack-jawed half way through the movie wondering if it can really continue to be this good until the end, and then nearly shiz yourself when it actually is.This was one of those.Only I'd first heard about it from the Sundance film guide, and I rented it through Netflix. I knew Alec Baldwin was the main star, but that can be good or bad... that was about it.Now don't go in expecting some kind of The English Patient granduer - just renting the friggin' movie, eat your salty snack, sip your icey beverage, and enjoy a good crime movie.I'd never heard of the director, so I looked him up...Nothing. he's done nothing else, and has nothing in the can. Somebody find this guy, cause he put together a very smooth, nearly perfect movie. Alec was in excellent form. The supporting actors did a hell of a job. The plot AND sub plots were timely and substantial. Just the right amount of humor too. Now I got to wait another year or so for my next pleasant surprise. Rating: A

A crime lord decides to double-cross a professional thief that the higher-ups in his organization hired for a food stamp heist. Naturally, the professional thief evades the trap, but then decides to get even. As things escalate the cops become more and more interested. So do the chiefs of the organization, who realize that all this unwanted attention is bad for business, and finally find themselves having to arbitrate the situation.This is a well made crime movie. The movie starts with a humorous scene featuring a cameo by Janeane Garofalo where she and Alec Baldwin deadpan some lies to each other. This scene doesn't lead to anywhere, but is very hip.The movie goes pretty fast through its story with plenty of smart, breezy dialogue. As always, Alec Baldwin is good, but is outshown by Michael Jai White and Andre Braugher, who play the crime lord and his top lieutenant respectively. White plays a not so bright but vicious crime lord with upwardly mobile aspirations. Braugher hits just the right notes of dismayed resignation as he contemplates his boss' follies. Rebecca DeMornay also has a great character to play - a hard-boiled police detective who has seen it all but remains a half-step behind the action. There are lots of well-crafted minor characters as well. The sound track also deserves a special note (no pun intended).It you've seen all the Tarantino and Tarantino-esque movies, and are looking for more, this movie would fit the bill.