Sleuth (2007 Version) Movie Review

After having finished watching the 1972 version of this film  starring Michael Caine and Laurence Olivier, I decided to compare this version with the 2007 version. To say the least, the 2007 version of "Sleuth" pales in comparison. Michael Cane reprises his role, but he takes on what was once Olivier's role and Jude Law takes on the role of the hairdresser (formerly played by Caine; I bet Caine felt strange somewhat remaking a classic film).

The 2007 has as much suspense, thrills, chills and drama as the '72 version, but the intensity and the mystery of a typical thriller is sorely lacking. Having Caine as one of the two central character's (and they are the only characters in both movies) who turns out to be "gay" was doubly disappointing because that part of the storyline seemed to have spoiled the rest of the movie for me (although the audience doesn't find out until three quarters of the way through this movie). I have nothing against using a "gay" theme in the movie, but it just didn't work with this version of "Sleuth".

Caine was just as thrilling and psychotic as he was back in '72 (only older, grayer and not as fast on his feet, but still quick with his wit and mind). If you don't care about the "psychotic thrills" of this movie and like some action, this version of "Sleuth" I found to have a bit more action then the original, but as far as "thrillers " go, the 2007 version of "Sleuth" pales in comparison (usually the original is better to the sequal anyway and the original was almost twice as long as the sequal; figure that one out!).

Jude Law is good, but I found that he lacks the intensity and the quick wittedness in his character, compared to Caine and Olivier; still a good effort by both, to bad "Sleuth" kinda sucks.