Seth_Rogue_One
Dull, mundane, tiresome, platitudinous; many are the words that can be used to describe the word boring, and now we have a new one to add to that mix: Blood Ties.I find it kinda mind-boggling how they could make such a lifeless movie with people like Billy Crudup, Zoe Saldana, James Caan, Domenick Lomerdazzi and Cliven Owen as the cast.How did they do it? Did they tell the cast to show as little emotion as you possibly can while still not being emotionless robots? Or was it simply a case of too drawn out scenes that could have done with a little editing? Or the soap opera worthy romance subplots? Whatever the case is, I hope that they learn from this mistake and don't repeat it in future-films, at least then this movie has served a purpose, cause as it is it is simply pointless.I thought WE OWN THE NIGHT was slow but that's a Michael Bay movie compared to this.The ending was okay, like the last 10 minutes but the ride there was barely bearable... At least the soundtrack was pretty good.
Peter Janoff
I can't for the life of me understand why anyone would grant this stunted flop more than a two at best. Yes, the cast is great and that makes it all the more of a riveting disappointment. James Caan seems like an actor trying to play James Caan. The clichés hit he beach in Coney Island like a tsunami.The 70's effects while pretty consistent are wildly generic and the era continuity flaws albeit not the major problem are still relevant. No, my problem with this film is that it takes insanely capable skilled and even iconic actors and dumbs them down to an idle gray and boring level of energy. Of all the actors chosen for the lead , I mean really a botched casting with Owen. He took Q's from Nicholas Cage and the obvious Goodfellas similarities (tribute or plain plagiarism?) brought this movie to a screeching halt. If fact the only thing that kept the movie running or at least at all memorable was the 70's soundtrack which in itself was nothing major yet the obvious use of 70's hits made it a little more seamless.All of the action takes place in the first 10 minutes. Thereafter a downhill ride.
kosmasp
One of the toughest things is to feel sympathy for a criminal, even if played by Clive Owen. Still there is more to him than just violence and breaking the law. And there is always the "how it all began". The family ties that are mentioned in the title are strong, but are not helping always. The casting of good actors is helping the movie though. James Caan is always a joy.One thing that surprised me was the fact that the movie tells you it is not based on a real story. I guess the way it is made, you could be excused to think this could have happened (or something similar to this) ... and maybe it did. Whatever the case, this is not an instant classic, but it's still more than a decent movie. The setting is good, the script works and there is a nice flow to it
leonblackwood
Review: I really had high hopes for this movie, after seeing the adverts, but it took ages for something to happen. It just seemed to drag after a while, but I did like the ending, which was predictable but well put together. It reminded me of the last scene in Carlito's Way, but no way as good. Anyway, the director had all the right tools to make a good movie, but he failed by making an average film which as predictable from start to finish. I didn't understand why the criminalised brother, decided to rob a truck in the same place were his brother is a cop. Wouldn't it have been easier if he committed his crimes in another state? Anyway, there isn't that much action throughout the movie and the drama wasn't that intense. I liked Clive Owens character, who was a cocky ex-con who gets drawn back into the game after finding it hard to adapt to normal life, but the rest of the characters were quite boring and uninteresting. On the whole, it didn't have to be over 2 hours long and it could have done with some action or a twist in the storyline. Disappointing!Round-Up: Clive Owen has always been taken seriously in Hollywood because he plays a lot of leading roles like in Children Of Men and The Boys Are Back, which I really enjoyed, but his acting style isn't that unique. He lacks screen charisma and I can't see people rushing to the cinema when one his movies get released. Judging by the box office taking, I'm not alone with thinking that this movie wasn't that great, but it's worth a watch if your running out of things movies to put on your rental list.Budget: $25million Worldwide Gross: $2.5million (Flop!)I recommend this movie to people who are into there drama/thriller movies about a ex-con who gets dragged back into criminal life with his brother, a respected cop, on his tale. 4/10
AD
