A film review by Rachael Vice Copyright © 2001 Rachael Vice

After the various reality shows that we can't escape on our television sets, 15 MINUTES throws in a new twist -murder- in showing what it really means to say "The tribe has spoken."

Homicide Detective Eddie Flemming (Robert DeNiro) teams up with arson investigator Jordy Warsar (Edward Burns) in hopes to stop two European crazies who have started a murder rampage to get the wealth they desire in New York City. After a few deaths the deadly duo decide that the only easy way to get their money is to tape the murder of someone famous, and have it aired on a very popular TV Tabloid.

One of the real problems with 15 MINUTES is the alliance of a Homicide Detective and an Arson Investigator. Warsar runs all over the city with Flemming to places where there isn't even smoke. I'm sure it's not that simple to change occupations with the words "Can I come with you?"

Also, 3/4 of the film is just non elaborate murders and chase scenes that seem to just repeat over and over and over. To top it off, the film in its entirety doesn't have a single twist in it. It's completely straightforward and very predictable.

One of our foreign loonies records everything like our Blair Witch trio and they decide to do nothing with the recordings until after the 'big' climax.   I don't think writer/director John Herzfeld could actually stick to a story. He seems to go back and forth deciding how he wants the film to play out.

15 MINUTES itself could have been reduced to 10 minutes and given us some enjoyment. Let's hope 'reality movies' aren't as reproductive as reality television shows.

Final Rating:   * 1/2 of * * * *

	Running Time: 120 Min | Rated: R | US Release: March 9th | More >>

Related Links:

• Official Site
• Upcomingmovies.com: 15 Minutes
• Moviefan Online - 15 Minutes Theatrical Preview

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