INTERSECTIONS (2013)
Genre: Romance/Thriller
Director: David Marconi
Cast: Frank Grillo, Jaimie Alexander, Roschdy Zem, Marie-Josée Croze, Charlie Bewley
RunTime: 1 hr 41 mins
Rating: M18 (Coarse Language and Some Violence)
Released By: Shaw
Official Website:
Opening Day: 2 January 2014
Synopsis: The story centers on a rich and beautiful couple on their honeymoon in Morocco. After escaping a deadly multi-car pileup at a desert intersection, the group of survivors - including a wanted smuggler, an undercover cop, a kidnapper, a baby and an unconscious Australian - embark on a journey of deceit and revelation that culminates in a Tangier's souk.
Movie Review:
We do not want to sound pompous and self righteous, but film distributors often make decisions we cannot fathom. This is probably not the only case, but it is a perfect example (in our opinion, at least) of how an old title like this actually makes it to local cinemas. Oh, this English language French thriller is actually produced by Luc Besson – and this was probably a sign for the distributor to release it theatrically, considering acclaimed titles like Leon: The Professional (1994) and The Fifth Element (1997) directed by the French filmmaker.
From the consumer’s point of view, what the distributor seems to have failed to notice is, how amidst the blockbuster titles during this period (Jackie Chan in Police Story 2013 and Ben Stiller in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, anyone?), this 101 minute movie will simply fizzle at the box office (it’s only showing on one screen in Singapore, by the way). It sure doesn’t help that the movie has received an overwhelmingly negative response internationally.
Yup we get it, we are whining. What about the movie itself (yes, this reviewer actually sat through the media preview attended by a miserable few) – is it worth your buck if the other movies are sold out? Let’s just say if you hate the hustling and jostling in town, you’d be better off watching a
Written by American screenwriter David Marconi, who is known for his works on 1998’s Enemy of the State and 2007’s Live Free or Die Hard, he also directs this French production starring an ensemble cast of actors who are relatively unknown in this part of the world. The story’s protagonists are a recently married couple who are on their honeymoon in Morocco. The wife is plotting to kill her rich husband with help from her lover. Unfortunately the plan goes haywire and they are involved in a car accident in a remote desert road. They escape from the intersection (hence the rather uncreative title, geddit?) and cross paths with a wanted smuggler, a French woman and her sick baby, and a mysterious man. What happens next is a dreary cinematic experience which will have you wondering what’s happening outside the cinema that’s probably more worthy of your time.
It may sound unfair for us to say this, but a been there done that story like this sure doesn’t benefit from an unknown cast. Does anyone recognise names like Roschdy Zem, Frank Grillo, Jaimie Alexander and marie Josee Croze? We know not everyone’s an A lister, but with such unspectacular performances, the movie really should remain on small screens. The cast isn’t too bad looking either, but without sounding arrogant, let’s just say there’s a reason why not everyone’s an award winning actor.
Does Luc Besson’s involvement help add any saving grace to this movie? Unfortunately, those who are looking for old school Luc Besson violence and fun won’t find it here. The action sequences are anything but memorable, and the production seems to be a soulless effort to shoot a movie in the dry lands of the desert.
We apologise if we sound harsh with this review, but with what seems to be suited for a straight to
Movie Rating:
(Definitely not worth your time and buck, this movie may be better suited for home viewing)
Review by John Li
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