| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Kevin Spacey | ... | Michael Lynch | |
| Linda Fiorentino | ... | Christine Lynch | |
| Peter Mullan | ... | Stevie | |
| Stephen Dillane | ... | Noel Quigley | |
| Helen Baxendale | ... | Lisa | |
| David Hayman | ... | Tony Brady | |
| Patrick Malahide | ... | Commissioner Daly | |
| Gerard McSorley | ... | Harrison | |
| David Kelly | ... | Fr. Grogan | |
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Gary Lydon | ... | Tom Rooney |
| Paul Ronan | ... | Billy Lynch | |
| Colin Farrell | ... | Alec (as Colin Farrel) | |
| Vincent Regan | ... | Shay Kirby | |
| Tim Loane | ... | Jerome Higgins | |
| Christoph Waltz | ... | Peter | |
Michael Lynch is Dublin's most notorious criminal, his brazen robberies making him the bane of the Gardaí and a hero to his fellow working class city Northsiders. When not playing happy families with his two wives - sisters Christine and Lisa - and his children, Lynch is busy plotting elaborate heists, thinking as much about the showmanship of it all as he is the loot involved. On his case is Garda Noel Quigley, his determination to convict Lynch slowly turning into an obsession. Inevitably, a showdown looms. Written by Anonymous
This is a charming, rollicking yarn, full of mischievous criminal acts perpetrated by Spacey and his cronies. It's light, frothy, and doesn't develop much suspense or real drama, and ultimately is a pointless exercise in movie making.
Spacey is OK, Linda Fiorentino is wooden (perhaps concentrating too much on trying to master the lyrical cadences of the Irish accent - she fails!). Helen Baxendale is simperingly gorgeous as usual, but she too fails to get as close to the accent as Spacey. The supporting cast of British and Irish actors are wonderful, and there are some delightful cameos.
Sadly, Patrick Malahide is wasted, his character being painted with a broad and parodied brush.
Boorman's "The General" covered the same subject matter much more expertly, but without the benefit of a Hollywood "A-list" actor to kick it along.
I'm still wondering what possessed Kevin Spacey, who is a fine actor, to get involved in this movie.