"Out of Time" is a somewhat formulaic but still successful mystery/suspenser that slowly pulls the viewer into the web along with Chief Whitlock until there's no escape. Fans of this kind of movie will see a lot of familiar set-ups and plot devices, but the strong cast makes the story work as a whole even if you think you've got it all figured out. Washington's hapless cop is unfailingly appealing, even if he is guilty of some terrible lapses in judgment (but then aren't we all from time to time?). Cain and Lathan likewise do well with their roles, and Eva Mendes is a standout as Whitlock's estranged wife, a homicide detective in her own right who slowly discovers more than she wants to about her husband's role in the Harrison case. Will Whitlock be able to put the puzzle together in time to save his skin from a looming murder rap? And will Mendes help pull him out of the fire, or push him all the way under? You can't stop watching til you know the answers.

The film's seedy, noirish atmosphere is a great plus as well, and if it's not original "Out of Time" is still entertaining. Overall it's worth 3.5 stars, and certainly a movie you want to watch at least once if you like mystery or suspense films. Like many of its kind, however, it may not hold up to multiple viewings once you've learned the secrets, so it may be one to rent rather than buy. Either way, it's a great way to energize a lazy evening.


Check this one out!!!   April 15, 2004
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

I really enjoyed this movie! There was thrill, suspense, romance, and excitement. I would recommend this movie to any movie lover. Denzel, Sanaa, Eva, and Dean were all HOT in this movie! I loved the whole story line. There were a few parts that may be too explicit for young children, so beware parents!!! I have seen this movie on several occasions and it is like the very first time everytime I see it. This one is a classic, it should be a new addition to everyone's movie collection. I suggest this movie to anyone, especially Denzel lovers, he looked great in this one LADIES!!! Trust me! Check it out for yourself I'd like to hear what anyone has to say about it!!!


A terrific Hitchcockian thriller!   January 19, 2004
M J Heilbron Jr. (Long Beach, CA United States)
15 out of 18 found this review helpful

This is probably the most Hitchcockian thriller to come down the pike in a decade or so. You have the flawed man unjustly accused. You have a femme fatale who may or may not be dead. Thorny relationships with women. Atmosphere by the bucketload. Sexy, slightly violent, a tad morbid, bundles of wit and humor.
This was a sadly ignored film during its' theatrical run. Denzel does his canon proud with another strong performance. While it's not flashy or subtle, it's exactly what the film demands. It fits.
The women are, putting it bluntly, absolutely smoking hot. Eva Mendes and Sanaa Lathan are fine actresses, and do nice work here. But in often skimpy clothes in that Miami wet heat, they could recite the phone book and most males would be entranced.
Dean Cain is terrific as "the bad guy". His scenes with Denzel show him stepping up to the plate admirably. You'd expect Washington to blow him off the screen...and he doesn't. At all.
The screenplay has some nice twists and turns. A veteran moviegoer will recognize or anticipate a few of them, but I guarantee there will be several scenes or lines that'll raise everyone's eyebrows. It's not perfect; there are some clunky lines sprinkled here and there.
Carl Franklin is a talented director, no question, and this simply will add to his reputation. Again, not flashy, but this story will perfectly told.
A special mention is necessary on behalf of John Billingsley. This movie will have people sitting up saying, "who IS this guy?" He's an absolute laugh riot. Every time he's on the screen he's hysterical. His lines have the same improvisatory feel that Bill Murray's did in "Tootsie" (which most were, apparently).
This is a perfect movie for adults interested in an awesome crime thriller.


No Way Out of Time   March 7, 2004
7 out of 8 found this review helpful

Denzel Washington desperately trying to stay one step ahead of being discovered by the authorities was strongly reminiscent of Kevin Costner attempting the same in "No Way Out". I must say that, overall, this film was better than the Costner film.
Still, it was underwhelming; much of it was predictable. Also, if the viewer who might be rooting for Denzel's character steps back for a minute, what he sees is a corrupt cop who doesn't deserve a happy ending. Just because he's Denzel and we all like Denzel (as we all like Tom Hanks and a few others) doesn't mean we should be sympathetic to his character (likewise John Billingsley's character, who was quirky and funny -- but also unethical and immoral).
As long as I'm nitpicking, here's my favorite scene: Denzel's sexy ex-wife, kicking in the locked door to the men's room with the high heels that she wore with her tight skirt and the rest of her professional detective outfit. Yeah -- that's realistic.


An action-packed thriller lacking action and thrills   January 21, 2004
Blaine Huff (Elgin, SC United States)
7 out of 8 found this review helpful

I don't know what is more bothersome--watching this type of forgettable garbage or learning that some folks give it five stars.

This "suspense" flick will keep you on the edge of your seat only if:

A. You have a very small seat,
B. You have a very large backside, or
C. Some visual impairment prevents you from noticing huge plot holes and over-emphasized hints.

As far as the acting goes, even on autopilot (and making an appearance for the sake of a paycheck,) Denzel's talent raises this contrived tripe somewhat out of the gutter. Aside from this, there are no performances that rise above the level of boring. This isn't a knock against the actors, the truth of it is that the characters in this film (i.e., Cold Ex-Wife, Abused Woman, Absolutely, Totally, Without Remorse Evil Man, and Fat, Funny Sidekick) have been so overused that original incarnations of them are nearly impossible.

The casting in this film is insulting...Denzel Washington and his mistress, the script tells us, were once high school sweethearts. Well, as their ages are separated by almost two decades, either Denzel's character (Matt Whitlock) spent quite a few years failing grades or his "sweetheart" was infant at about the time Whitlock was graduating. Oh, Whitlock is married in this film, though separated, and, if you can believe it(!), a woman even younger than his mistress was cast as his wife. Yes, it's a constant gripe of mine, but can the audience please see men and women of similar ages playing the roles of husband/wife, husband/mistress? Especially when the script tell us they're within a few years of one another!

Now, the screenplay. Wow. My first thought is that, when Denzel signed on, the writers decided there was no need for further rewrites. Any and all suspense and tension is lost when clues are shoved down the viewer's throats and this might have been prevented had care been taken. I don't want to give any particulars, but, if you're halfway paying attention, then there are probably half a dozen scenes in the film where the director could have been less conspicuous by having the actors stop speaking and pull out large neon signs baring the words "HERE IS A CLUE." For example, when a character, early in the film, goes into a long explanation and demonstration of how his cell phone is linked to GPS tracking system...well, unless you're braindead, you can bet this is going to be on the test.

As well, little in this film occurs because it is in the natural order of things; no, what happens here only does because the script demands it. You know that point in a horror film when the girl has a choice between getting in her car and driving to safety or going, by herself, into the dark house? The only reason she walks through the doorway is because the movie ends if she doesn't. That same necessity for stupidity appears to be behind the actions of all the characters in "Out of Time." In short, everyone is this film is stupid when the script demands it and brilliant when needed. As such, the characters never are believable because they fail to rise above the level of plot device. And that's sad, for to feel suspense the audience must be concerned with whom they're seeing...and that never happens here. Without revealing too much, a wonderful example of this is when characters A, B, and C con D out of large sum of money. Now, the wise thing for the scammers to do would be to leave town...after all, they do have a half-day head start and a nice bankroll...but that wisdom wouldn't happen here. No, instead, one of the baddies goes to a hotel and the other two hide out in an abandoned shack. Why do they do this? Why don't they take the half-million and charter a boat to the islands or flee north to Miami? If they do...movie over. Why does the group separate? Because, if our hero catches them all at once, then the film ends at hour one...having the members apart almost doubles the running time. Why is the money held by the weakest link in the villain chain (especially when we know that the cash was handed directly to main conspirators)?...the movie requires it. Why doesn't the protagonist, having "caught" a bad guy and retrieved the loot, not turn to the police (or, at least, have the police accompany him for "THE FINAL SHOWDOWN?"...the movie won't let him.

...and it goes on and on.

I don't require perfection from films, but don't insult me. If you want a good suspense flick where you care about the hero...where you twist and turn right along with him...then check Michael Douglas in "The Game" and leave this formulaic trash on the shelf of Blockbuster.