OUT OF TIME (2003)

Directed By: Carl Franklin
Written By: David Pollard
Cinematography By: Theo Van De Sande
Editor: Carole Kravetz-Aykanian

Cast: Denzel Washington, Sanaa Lathan, Eva Mendes, Nora Dunn, John Billingsley, Arian Ash
Matt Whitlock, the police chief of Banyan Key a small town near Florida, is separated from his wife, Alex, a police detective based in Florida. Matt's been having an affair with Ann Merai Harrison, a woman who's separated from her husband Chris and who says that she has cancer. When her doctor tells her of a new treatment that's expensive, Matt gives her the nearly half a million dollars that he seized from some drug dealers. When she turns up dead evidence points to Whitlock. He tries to figure out what's going on but apparently it appears he's been set up. So he has to try and find the money especially now that the Feds are asking for it before the evidence exposes him.

This film is a shameless B movie that harkens back to a 1950’stype of film noir. Only set in modern times.

Denzel Washington is clearly the star stuck with a mostly second rate cast and script. Which thanks to the power of his performance and charisma actually makes the film entertaining. It’s fun to watch him go through the motions as he deserves a better caliber film. That works as entertainment, but leaves itself to be forgettable.

You can sense or get a feeling rather quickly the twists and turns of the story as it goes along and can’t believe his character or anyone else’s actions and decisions. Which I guess goes with the territory with films like these As far as distinction and disbelief he is lead down the wrong path by love and lust. Which doesn’t have as much of an affect as the femme-fatale is hardly in the film so you never really understand why he has such a depth of feelings for her as the film goes along.

Though I believe Eva Mendes and Sanaa Lathan should have exchanged roles

What’s fascinating and keeps you interested is the inventive ways in which Denzel Washington gets himself out of dangerous situations. The film never achieves the quite nerve wracking effect it aims for, but it’s distinct in that it’s a noir that takes place mostly in bright daylight rather than shadows and moody night. A contrast to the usual atmosphere of films of this type. Sort of like what Jonathan Hensleigh tried to do with his version of THE PUNISHER taking this dark character’s tale and exposing it into the daylight so we can see the danger coming and not miss any of it.,

Though the tension is higher this time due to the outcome and the quick nature of events the film needs to happen in. So not necessarily as nuanced. Nor as much depth in it's dramatics.

Despite it all Denzel Washington give a very comfortable performance. Even as he is supposed to be harried. He seems centered, while frantic, but always seeming to have a handle on everything well enough to fake it like he makes it. Though his character is going out of his mi d trying to figure everything out and stay ahead of everybody.

Though this film is more a modern thriller it has all the classic elements of a noir film only taking place in broad daylight. Though plenty of double crosses and a femme fatale. Not as stylistic, but keeps an air of mystery and like the character keeps the audience in it's toes.

Making them uneasy and always questioning while also presenting at a fast pace. So once something is solved the question about the next is quickly raised.

This is also a reunion between Denzel Washington and Director Carl Franklin. Who directed him in the underappreciated DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS. Here they work well together just like in that film. Though the tension is high. Mr. Washington gives a very comfortable performance in this film.

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GRADE: C+