Snake Eyes 1998, Rated R

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Starring Nicolas Cage, Gary Sinise, et al. Released to DVD on February 16, 1999.

A film's opening shot is probably one of the most important shots in the entire movie. In this one shot, the mood and atmosphere of the film is set. In perhaps the most original and well-planned opening shot ever (a single uncut shot that lasts nearly 20 minutes), director Brian DePalma did what he could to try and set the tone of his film, Snake Eyes. Unfortunately though, the rest of the film has trouble living up to the enormous potential of the opening scene. Nicolas Cage stars as Rick Santaro, a flamboyant, flashy and corrupt Atlantic City cop who is on hand at the heavy-weight boxing championship with his Navy Defense buddy, Commander Kevin Dunne (Gary Sinise). Rick's night is through for a loop when the National Security Advisor is assassinated before his very eyes. This mystery thriller is the epitome of style over substance.