The documentary on the Played DVD got it right, the only thing this film really had going for it was the unbelievable amount of talent that signed on. Beyond that the cinematography, sound, and script all reek of amateurism. Played wants to find a way into the gangster movie hall of fame but it falls short in far too many ways.
When a drug heist goes awry, Ray Burns (Mick Rossi) finds himself imprisoned for the better half of a decade. Upon getting out he has a few scores to settle and gets things lined up to take down Reilly, the gangster responsible for the death of his childhood friend who supposedly overdosed on heroine while Ray was doing time.
While Ray attempts to stay below the radar of the local dirty cop (played by Vinnie Jones) he finds that the road to kill Reilly is filled with a few unexpected twists, turns and shady characters (Gabriel Byrne among them). Many stars make meaningless cameos and it all would have worked well but for want of a better script. Vinnie’s character is a two-dimensional cardboard stand-up of every “dirty cop” that’s ever appeared in any film. Val Kilmer’s brief part in the film has him jabbering as an obnoxious American whose funny lines simply come across as noise to fill the entire film’s void of worthwhile dialogue. Anthony Lapaglia and the late Bruno Kirby also appear as two Los Angeles police officers – once again some of the film’s best talent is brushed to the side and given minor parts.
The cinematography, this is all I’ll say on the subject, looks like a student film for a major university. All of the angles are clever but clearly an attempt to prove oneself capable as a filmmaker. Played may have worked best by taking on the simple tried and true angles and leaving the experiments for students still trying to make their voices heard.
Played offers nothing new or incredible to make it worth your purchase. Perhaps as a rental Played will be a satisfying two hours of mindless, genre-conforming entertainment. But don’t expect too much more – there’s not much there. Mick Rossi both wrote and plays the lead of Ray, but I think the writing should have been left to more talented folk. His acting was fine, not bad but not noteworthy.
The Bonus Features, that’s singular, is a documentary that shows all the stars putting in their courteous two cents as to why they decided to slum and put their time into this film. Experimental. Really different. Refreshing. These three descriptions come up more often than not from the big names as they justify appearing in a film as sloppy as Played. I understand the intention was to showcase how independent filmmakers can make films on shoestring budgets – but the documentary feature comes across as Mick Rossi tooting his own horn for a job well done.
Nothing special here folks, but if you’re a huge fan of gangster flicks and Played is the only one at your video store you haven’t seen – go for it! Otherwise, don’t pick it up unless you’re curious about seeing so many big names flounder under the poor leadership of a bad script.
"Played" is on sale July 31, 2007 and is rated R. Drama, Thriller. Directed by Sean Stanek. Written by Mick Rossi, Sean Stanek. Starring Val Kilmer, Anthony LaPaglia, Bruno Kirby, Gabriel Byrne, Mick Rossi, Vinnie Jones.
