Denis Leary's troubled cop finds the road to romance bumpy with chiropractor Elizabeth Hurley in Tom DiCillo's "Double Whammy," preeming at Sundance.
A Lions Gate release of a Myriad Pictures/Gold Circle Films presentation of a Gold Circle Films/Lemon Sky/Apostle Pictures production. Produced by Marcus Viscidi, Jim Serpico, David Kronemyer, Larry Katz. Executive producer, Norm Waitt. Co-producer, Meredith Zamsky. Directed, written by Tom DiCillo.
Ray Pluto - Denis Leary
Dr. Ann Beamer - Elizabeth Hurley
Jerry Cubbins - Steve Buscemi
Juan Benitez - Luis Guzman
Lt. Spigot - Victor Argo
Chick Dimitri - Chris Noth
Duke - Keith Knobbs
Cletis - Donald Faison
Maribel Benitez - Melonie Diaz
With "Double Whammy," a slight but agreeable comedy about a disgraced New York City cop's journey of redemption, Tom DiCillo bounces back to some degree from his resoundingly flat last feature, "The Real Blonde." While it loses steam after a buoyant start, the writer-director's signature brand of offbeat humor and a likable cast led by Denis Leary provide enough charm to help weather the erratic energy levels and inconsistent rhythm. But commercial prospects appear too fragile to steer the film far into the theatrical mainstream. Acquired by Lions Gate in Sundance, comedy is scheduled for a wide fall release.
Promising opening stretch introduces jaded cop Ray Pluto (Leary) and his weedy partner, Jerry (Steve Buscemi), as they pull into a burger joint for lunch. Jerry waits in the car, and while Ray orders, a crazed gunman drives his Jeep through the window, opening fire on customers and staff. When Ray reaches for his gun, his back gives out and he drops the weapon. A kid standing nearby grabs the gun and ices the killer, becoming a New York hero while Ray earns the media tag of "loser cop."
Ray, who had been depressed since the death of his wife and daughter years earlier in a tragic accident for which he blames himself, slumps even further after the shooting incident. Put on limited duty until declared medically fit, he retreats to his couch to smoke hash and watch cheerleader fitness videos before being persuaded by Jerry to see a chiropractor (Elizabeth Hurley). As she begins bending him back into shape, a bumpy romance slowly develops.
Running parallel to Ray's vicissitudes are the trials of his neighbor Juan (Luis Guzman), the building's super, and his rebellious teenage daughter Maribel (Melonie Diaz). Wanting a tattoo and more freedom than her protective papi is prepared to give her, Maribel hires two sleazy hit men to bump him off, using the building's Christmas funds to pay for the hit. Meanwhile, in another apartment, two aspiring screenwriters (Keith Knobbs, Donald Faison) are struggling to act out and commit to paper a Tarantino-esque scene of torture and murder.
This last duo represents the comedy's most strained element, with in-jokes about the filmmaking process that seem tired by comparison with those of DiCillo's 1995 breakout film, "Living in Oblivion." The subplot is a rather convoluted and far too belabored setup allowing Ray to save the day and regain his self-esteem.
Attempting to marry aspects of suspense, black comedy and romance, DiCillo has fashioned a lightweight vehicle that never ventures confidently enough in any of those directions. While the material is not uproariously funny, it remains appealing thanks chiefly to Leary's effortless charisma, guiding world-weary Ray from despondency and humiliation to a point where he eventually can forgive himself for the past. The kind of light, sexy comedy she's playing seems no stretch for Hurley, making her an attractive foil for Leary, with Guzman and Buscemi also given their share of amusing moments.
Camera (color), Robert Yeoman; editor, Camilla Toniolo; music, Jim Farmer; production designer, Michael Shaw; art director, Shawn Carroll; set decorator, Ondine Karady; costume designer, Jennifer von Mayrhauser; sound (Dolby Digital), Matthew Price; supervising sound editor, Eliza Paley; assistant director, Stephen Wertimer; casting, Susan Shopmaker. Reviewed at Sundance Film Festival (Premieres), Jan. 20, 2001. Running time: 101 MIN.
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