Val Hoover (Film fan, book lover)

Too dark and violent, often without context. I agree that the narrative needed more fleshing out; the bad and evil seems overdone, over-simplified. Most of the actors are excellent. But some of the lead characters are not well developed. Also found the sepia and steel blue-gray palette throughout to be too hard on the eyes and a hackneyed approach to portraying a harsh environment.

I will watch anything Clive Owen is in, but based on episode 1, i am having trouble following the plot and the blackmailing angle. But I've never been good at following mysteries. Some of the characters aren't clearly introduced, like the older woman who lives in the winery mansion with Sam. I guess it's his deceaaed wife's mother. Sam Spade is not a sympathetic character at this point, based on his detachment from the young girl....but perhaps that will be explained later. He may not have adopted her because he didn't feel he had a right to do that. I never understand how people can not be affectionate to children. Again, he may not have wanted her to become attached to him. Also, i don't really get why they made him kind of a ladies' man, when hard-boiled noir detectives are usually loners. I night need to read the original books again. Also, minor point...why is Clive Owen's hair died so black? It looks so fake. Shouldn't it be his more natural salt and pepper color, which is more suitable to the age of the character? He's also wearing too much matte makeup. Final minor issue...a few of the edits and transitions between scenes are abrupt...like when he's in the wine bar and meeting the female bar owner for a drink. Why the pause between his greeting and the next scene? This should have been shot as one continuous scene. Seems like lazy filmmaking to me. I agree with the other reviewer that the little brown car Sam drives is one of the best characters. Miss those old cars.

This movie brings back happy memories for me. Life in 1980s NYC, even with it's share of bad guys, seems simpler than today. Who can resist an everyday guy trying to do heroic things? R.i.P. John Ritter.

Great ensemble cast, acting, and script. Never heard of this when it was released. Sad because of subject matter, but ultimately inspiring because the son and family are so supportive of the mom and because the family grows closer. The Mom weathers her illness bravely and on her own terms.