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There’s something oft-putting about seeing film trailers during
a commercial run on TV. Most of them tell you the premise of the
story and in a number of sequences, how it will play out. While it’s
important to get the attention of the audience and entice them to see the
film, this marketing strategy can sometimes backfire. Who wants to see something
that’s predictable? Well, Director James Foley has taken the heist
genre to a new level with his latest film, CONFIDENCE, a slick film
that with twists and turns that will leave you enthusiastic at the
end.
Confidence is a film set in contemporary Los Angeles
. It’s about a gang of con
men, led by Jake Vig (Burns) who’s always preying on the weak and
getting rich with the help of his crew (Giammati, Van Holt) and
Big Al. When Big Al gets killed, Jake learns his dirty deed was
the root of his death. Seems that crime boss Winston King (Hoffman)
was a victim of Jake’s scams and has threatened his life. Knowing
how Mr. King likes to keep his word, Jake offers a quick solution. He
will pull off the biggest scam of his life by robbing a bank through
the computer via internet. Confident about his skills, Jake enlist a pickpocketer
named Lily (Weisz), whose used as bait in the plot to lure the mark,
the banker they will bring down. Meanwhile, Jake’s “Inspector Javert”,
as in FBI agent Gunther Butan (Garcia) comes to LA knowing Jake’s
in town and scheming for another score. He blackmails some cops
on the take to bring him news of Jake’s whereabouts. Not only does
Jake has to contend with Mr. King and Gunther, someone else comes
in the picture. Morgan Price, King’s double dealing partner, wants
in the action. It’s a very twist and turn con movie with a surprise
ending
If you have seen “The Heist”, “Ocean’s Eleven” or even “The Good
Thief”, which is currently in theaters, you should have a pretty
good idea as how things will work out. With “Confidence”, the results
are the same but the execution is different. Ed Burns is appealing
as the cocky man with the plan although at times he seems insipid.
Dustin Hoffman, in probably his smallest role to date, is playing
the opposite of what we are used to seeing him play, and he’s very
frightening in his performance. Foley has added flair to the scenery
with quick edits and lots of face shots. Andy Garcia, with an unshaven look, is relentlessly
funny as he tells stories of his relationship to Jake while pursuing
him. The rest of the cast play their part with amusement, specifically
Frankie G, the novice amongst the actors. “Confidence” is a film
with a talented cast and a story that’s twisted yet engaging.
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