Things To Do In Denver When You're Dead (1995)

 

As soon as you see names like Andy Garcia or Christopher Walken, you could assume that it has something to do with the wiseguy-genre of films. In this case, you aren't wrong, although this film is not a typical gangster flick as one would assume. No, it's a lot more subdued and subtle. Maybe that's the reason why it flew under so many people's radar. A shame, because it is a nice film. 

Garcia plays Jimmy The Saint. He used to be a heavy hitter for the mob, but now he is on his way to better his life. Unfortunately, his business isn't going too great. He makes videotapes for terminally ill people, so that their loved ones can still watch them. But he has money issues and when his old employer (Christopher Walken) strongarms him into doing one last job for a big wad of cash, he can't say no. 

He assembles his old team and the assignment seems simple: scare off the new lover of a girl. Why? Because she used to be the sweetheart of the mobster's son, and since she left him, he has been caught trying to abduct a little girl from a playground. (This also makes for the creepy opening scene, by the way) Alas, shit hits the fan and now the team has a price on their heads. Jimmy does get the option to just leave town, but he has fallen in love and is reluctant to leave before he has his affairs in order and he has provided an escape for his friends. 

This is not an action driven story, not by a long shot. This is all about the characters. That is why they chose to work with some pretty impressive actors, who are always good. Garcia is a lovable and suave wiseguy, Walken as the paraplegic mob boss is sinister as only Walken knows how, Christopher Lloyd and William Forsythe bring some humanity to their roles, just as Bill Nunn. Standout of the team is Treat Williams, who gets to go all out psycho as Critical Bill. He might be the one character who goes a little overboard, but it does work. 

The film is also rather funny at times, because much of the dialogue is witty and fresh. They don't heap cliché upon cliché and that feels refreshing. You instantly know how everything will play out as soon as Jimmy is summoned by The Man With The Plan, but that is not a major problem. Let's be fair: in most films, you will have some idea of how it all will go. 

I haven't even mentioned the standout character of this film. Played by Steve Buscemi, the hired killer Mr Shhh is hardly in this film, but he steals the show. It's one of those Buscemi roles that sticks in the mind as being creepy and imposing, and all that with hardly any dialogue at all. 

Is it essential viewing? No. There are better films in the genre, no doubt. But if you want more for your wiseguy-fix and like to see something with a little twist, then this is your film.