Review from Apollo Movie Guide

by Cheryl DeWolfe

Suicide Kings is a tense, dark whodunit with plenty of plot twists to keep the viewer guessing. Four friends: Avery, Matt, Max and T.K. are faced with the kidnapping of Avery's sister Elise. They hatch a plan to get her back without having to pay the two million-dollar ransom. The plan is simple: kidnap a mob boss, use his connections, and exchange him for Elise. Ira, whose family owns the house they use for this scheme, shows up for a poker game and can't believe what he sees.

The film opens with a bang and then settles down. Most of Suicide Kings takes place in one room and is largely dialogue driven. The flashbacks help avoid monotony, while maintaining the tension. The last half-hour of the film moves at breakneck speed as all the pieces fall into place.

An understated performance by Christopher Walken as Charlie Bartolucci is the cornerstone of the film. Charlie talks to each of the friends alone, trying to determine their roles in the situation. He also points out the many flaws in their plan and uses them to his advantage.

Walken is not the only actor who deserves credit: Suicide Kings is an ensemble piece with every actor pulling his weight. The only exception is Jay Mohr, whose melodramatic rage is a bit much to watch at times. On the other hand, Henry Thomas (remember him from E.T.?) may be a twenty-something to watch. As Avery, Thomas has few lines but the camera captures his nervous energy and obvious discomfort.

Suicide Kings is not a typical mob movie. There are some violent scenes, but the movie focuses on the cerebral side of the mob: all the mind games necessary for survival in an underground society. A smart script plus talented actors equals one great film.

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