Boobirt Stylish but barely mediocre overall

Exoticalot People are voting emotionally.

MoPoshy Absolutely brilliant

BallWubba Wow! What a bizarre film! Unfortunately the few funny moments there were were quite overshadowed by it's completely weird and random vibe throughout.

Paul Robinson This film has some interesting ideas, and some interesting things to say. But for me fails with it's unfocused script and story.It is the story of a couple of assassins played my Cuba Gooding Jr and Helen Mirren. When One finds out they have cancer they agree to do one last job. The central couple seem to have a controvertial relationship for the sake of it, as Mirren and Gooding Jr play lovers/Step son, step mum. the film also has multiple scenes of sex and violence which seem forced, and lead to a quite predictable and unsatisfying ending.Good things about the film are that Lee Daniels has an interesting style, in the way the film was shot. with attractive soft focus scenes, and exciting uses of colour. The acting as expected was top notch with Helen Mirren being her usual watchable self, and Cuba Gooding remembering that he is a talented actor worth peoples time. Also worth a look for a glimpse at a younger Joseph Gordon-Levitt.A thought-provoking attempt by Lee Daniels, and a good film to kick start his career, and develop his talents which we later see with Precious and hopefully with the Paperboy.

callanvass Shadowboxer is certainly a movie that left me scratching my head, and not in a good way either. The performances aren't the problem, it's the surrealism of the script. I really had a lot of problems getting into this one, and just a lot of weird stuff, in fact too weird happened for my liking. The sex scenes between Cuba and Helen Mirren are not only disgusting to witness, but didn't plant many pleasant visuals in my head either. Mirren and Gooding are above this kind of stuff, but some how they are both game for this movie. There isn't much action to go around, and I honestly felt the story to be rather dull in my opinion. I really don't get why Cuba is floundering in obscurity with these DTV efforts. He's done some decent ones, but his talent level is so above this. The title certainly doesn't live it up to it, because aside from Cuba's playful boxing in the shadows, boxing has nothing to do with this movie.Performances. Cuba Gooding Jr is effective that's for sure. His intensity and quite demeanor served him well, but I wish he was in a better movie. Helen Mirren is classy and excellent in her role here. She could have easily phoned it in, but didn't do that. Her chemistry with Cuba was great. Stephhen Dorff is a good baddie, but his role is sadly underdeveloped. Vanessa Ferlito is OK, but her accent does the talking, aside from a few decent scenes. Joseph Gordon-Levitt isn't yet famous like he is now, and didn't really have a whole lot to do here. Mo'Nique is OK, nothing more.Bottom line. If you can figure out this movie, be my guest and check it out. It wasn't for me though, and it's not something I care to revisit again.4 1/2 10

pik923 Released in 2005, knowing now how Lee Daniels loves that edgy dark mysterious weird violent, sexual tones of film making, and with a great solid cast, I really loved this film! A solid thriller, hats off to Helen Mirren willing to take on such a controversial and sexy role! It shows the range of her abilities and willing to take chances! Besides all of that - I love the score. The music is great! Adding a very sensuous quality to a rather sexual (I don't find the film except in a few scenes with Helen and Cuba to be on the sensuous side) script.I appreciate some of the images Lee Daniels achieves especially in the opening sequences. The film is an expression of many talents. If you enjoy edge strange weird sexual violent off the wall entertainment, coming from a very interesting new talent (Lee Daniels) and if you are a fan of Helen Mirren, Cuba Gooding, other members of the cast - watch this film. Do remember there are some disturbingly violent moments in the film, and some sexual moments that are a bit tough too. But don't let that interfere with your decision.

shorb-1 This movie was terrible and confusing. Anyone telling you this is a good movie is brain dead and/or hasn't watched any other movie ever.The music choice was odd, especially in the beginning.Cuba has old woman sex with and then kills the woman that raised him? Are you kidding me? Why? All the relationships in this movie are stupid.That guy in the hotel really believed Cuba to be a women? Are you kidding me? Cuba makes an awful woman. Moreover I didn't believe Cuba's character. He's too fragile to be a contract killer.Cuba's ass had more screen time than his face. No thanks I'll pass on the guy ass. Seems to me that Lee is gay.Why did it take so long for the relationship between Vanessa and Cuba to develop? They were sleeping in the same bed for years! What the hell? A "Doogie Houser" type for a doctor. Why???? There were no cops at all and no action. This movie was tremendously boring. The ending sucked.Did anyone watch the "Making Of" on the DVD? I should have watched this before the movie. It shows what a wacko Lee is. The Zebra thing is so dumb. Lee should stop making movies.The only thing good about this movie was that it was only 90 minutes. Oh an Vanessa was looking fine too. I picked this up because I liked Cuba's acting. Biggest mistake of my life.