Curious about the long-delayed, long-finished Elmore Leonard adaptation “Killshot”? The formerly mid-profile suspense thriller, starring the likes of Tom Jane, Diane Lane, Mickey Rourke, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Rosario Dawson, has languished on the shelf for the Weinstein Company for almost two years now. A release date of January 24th was finally announced months ago, but we never really found out exactly how wide it was going to go.
The NYTimes claims the five theater release in Phoenix is, in the words of a Weinstein Company employee, “a test.” Likely the “test” is to figure out how much they should promote the likely-soon DVD release for a film that really has no business being such a turkey. In addition to the medium-level star power an ad campaign for this film could have utilized, there’s the presence of director John Madden, who previously directed the Weinsteins’ big Best Picture success, “Shakespeare In Love.” The film’s gone through so many re-edits that they’ve even eliminated a major role originally played by Johnny Knoxville. What say you, Phoenix viewers: does the film blow?
Just saw it Friday. Definitely the best release of the weekend. Can’t believe they’re not promoting this. Diane Lane, Mickey Rourke, Thomas Jane, Rosario Dawson all great. Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s role is a little over the top. The ending was a predictable but some good surprises along the way. As good as any Elmore Leonard movie I’ve seen, as good as “Get Shorty”. Two great Mickey Rourke’s opening in Phoenix the same weekend, can’t ask fr more. Sad thing is there was no advertising, no one knew it was playing, only eight people in the theater for a 10:30 evening showing.
Carl, email me. Maybe we can do more with your report.
I liked it a lot. Here is what I said at elmoreleonard.com.
Actually this was the review.