The Spanish Prisoner

This film captures you from start to finish, like the music! The lead actor is handsome; the pace is deceptive; the mystery is jazzy yet confounding; the cast's acting is done well; and our faith in the goodness in some stays alive through the end. This clever and entertaining film is a must see!

The Spanish Prisoner was intelligently written and simply directed, a deception. The handsome and genuine Joe Ross --- naturally portrayed by the equally handsome Campbell Scott --- was your friend from the start. He is kind, easygoing, and neighborly. An inventor who trusts too easily, he is a loyal employee. His employer is portrayed by the wonderful Ben Gazzara, a master of unassuming and skillful dramatic arts himself. Steve Martin (famous comedian) was a surprise as Jimmy Dell, a jazzy crook. I would have chosen a different actor for the role of Susan; I think Joe deserved a beauty. A beautiful womin he resists would have magnified the nice guy quality.

Who wouldn't want to be on the beach with Campbell Scott? Who wouldn't want their boss to fairly compensate them for a great invention? How do you escape the inescapable being cornered, framed, and chased? You really must see this neat mystery!

**_When you can’t trust anyone_**

Shot in September-October, 1996, this is a Hitchcockian corporate espionage drama/suspense thriller, written/directed by David Mamet. It’s reminiscent of “The Firm,” just meshed with elements of the future “Matchstick Men.” While it’s not great like the former, it’s almost on par with the latter.

I find it the least of ’em because, although Rebecca Pidgeon is effective in the part of Susan, the role called for someone more alluring from the late ’90s, such as Marisa Tomei, Monica Bellucci, Salma Hayek, Yasmine Bleeth, Kate Winslet or Rachel Weisz. But that’s more of a cavil. The real issue is how unrealistic the story gets in the last act. I was ready for the spy inanities of “You Only Live Twice” to break out (speaking as a fan of that Bond flick).

Still, it’s worth checking out for those interested. Mamet’s entertaining dialogues are worth the price of admission. Meanwhile Steve Martin works well in a rare serious role and Campbell Scott is good as the every-man protagonist. Watch for Ed O'Neill in a surprise cameo.

It runs 1 hour, 50 minutes, and was shot in Islamorada, Florida; Manhattan; and the Boston area.

GRADE: B-