Anyone familiar with the cinema industry knows that films that push the boundaries and offer something fresh and original often struggle to find mainstream success. Unfortunately, this was the case with Judas Kiss, a 1998 thriller written and directed by Sebastian Gutierrez.
The film follows Coco Chavez (portrayed by Carla Gugino), a young and attractive woman who, along with her boyfriend Junior Armstrong (played by Simon Baker-Denny), makes a living as small-time con artists. When Junior suggests a more lucrative operation - the kidnapping of computer genius Ben Dyson (played by Greg Wise) - Coco finds herself entangled in a dangerous web. Joined by a technical wizard and a muscleman, the abduction takes a dark turn when Coco is forced to make a fateful decision. As law enforcement gets involved, including FBI Special Agent Sadie Hawkins (played by Emma Thompson) and New Orleans Police detective David Friedman (portrayed by Alan Rickman), the true motives behind the kidnapping start to unravel.
Despite a somewhat predictable script, Judas Kiss manages to feel fresh and engaging. Gutierrez blends elements of black comedy and film noir, creating a unique atmosphere that keeps viewers intrigued. The international and diverse cast adds depth to the story, with standout performances from Carla Gugino and Til Schweiger. The film's setting in New Orleans is beautifully captured, adding to the overall ambiance.
While the ending may not offer many surprises, Judas Kiss is still an entertaining watch that deserves more recognition than it has received. With solid cinematography and a compelling musical score, the film is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Rating: 7/10 (+++)
(Note: This review was originally posted in the Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on July 9th, 2004)
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