Up until the very end this movie was flat out terrific. Those who expect an action filled caper film will be disappointed (until the climax, that is) because this is, more than anything, a character study and an exceptional one at that. The acting by the three leads is outstanding, especially Ryan as an aging, oddly pathetic tough guy. Belafonte (who also produced) is as close to a hero as the movie can claim and plays his part not only with charm and appeal but also considerable skill. The gradual, almost inexorable way in which he and Ryan are sucked into a bank robbery neither wants to do is engrossing and convincing. Complaints that Ryan is too old for his part are ludicrous, since his fear of the weakness and impotence that old age will bring is crucial to his character (and those who find his beating a much younger soldier in a bar implausible are simply wrong. It happens. I once saw a 60 year old man put a 28 year old ex marine in the hospital in about two seconds). The movie is impressive in so many other ways as well. The black and white photography is frequently stunning and the use of actual locations grounds the movie in a sense of reality that only falters at the end when, frankly, it all goes to pieces. The last scene is arbitrary and heavy handed and nearly undermines everything that came before. I can still recommend the movie highly but (as with HUCKLEBERRY FINN) I only wish the ending were more worthy of such an exceptional piece of work.
Review of Odds Against Tomorrow
