Movie Guys: Moviegoers may feel trapped by ‘Entrapment’

Friday, April 30, 1999 | 10:32 a.m.

Synopsis: The world's greatest art thief, Robert MacDougal (Sean Connery), has been targeted by insurance investigator Gin Baker (Catherine Zeta-Jones) for the loss of a stolen Rembrandt. As soon as their paths cross, the two form an edgy partnership that has them plan a daring multibillion-dollar heist tied to the dawn of the new millennium.

Dave: One would think that an adventurous film whose stars include a respected Academy Award-winner, and the hottest actress in Hollywood whose face dons every major magazine cover, would make for solid entertainment. However, even though the entire audience will be ogling in their seats for the two stars -- the women dreaming over the debonair nature of Sean Connery, and the men fantasizing over Catherine Zeta-Jones -- this romantic caper of sorts is all flash and no show.

"Entrapment" begins with a daredevil heist off a high-rise building, by a mysterious figure who possesses every piece of tech gadgetry needed for the break. Believed to be the international master thief "Mac" MacDougal (Connery), the insurance company assigns specialized investigator Gin Baker ("Mask of Zorro's" Zeta-Jones) to track him down.

Jeff: She doesn't have much time. It's only two weeks until the turn of the century and the insurance company wants the Rembrandt back. Gin tries to shadow the thief, but is paid a surprise visit by Mac, late one night in her hotel room. Then, as if it was love at first sight, Mac hauls her off to his castle in Scotland. Barely knowing each other -- and please, try to ignore the fact that they couldn't possibly trust each other -- they both plot to steal a golden mask of China on exhibit in an English museum. This is the second of three capers that we must endure in "Entrapment," where most of the time is spent plotting and practicing each caper.

Mac puts Gin through a crash course in burglary which, at times, is part ballet and part gymnastics -- a routine that will help her overcome the barrage of laser beams controlling the alarm during the break in. Watching her practice is half the fun, as Gin wears the tightest-fitting cat suit and rolls around on the floor, in and around a makeshift obstacle course. No complaints here -- not yet. But, they're coming.

Dave: That's right, Jeff, they are coming. But first, we must describe Mac's set of ethical rules which prohibits him from getting emotionally attached to his partners. However, rules are made to be broken when your partner is a sultry investigator doubling as a world-class thief. Ahh, who could blame him? And it creates the only redeeming quality of the film, which is the romantic tension between the two.

So let's open those flood gates of complaints. The lush settings, the glossy makeover and the charismatic stars are definite pluses, but none of it excuses the lame, undeniably preposterous script by Ron Bass and William Broyles that "Entrapment" is anchored too. A horrible set up with absolutely no rhyme or reason, poor dialogue, a set of supportive characters that are under-played and miscast, and a completely ridiculous getaway that will have you smacking your forehead in ashamed disbelief.

Jeff: This film is loaded with proverbs by Confucius and rules of thievery (like rule No. 2: never trust a naked woman. Good rule, I think?) After their play for the mask, they go for the big caper: stealing more than $8 billion dollars stored electronically in the world's largest office building, the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. Gin has a computer program that she has been working on for five years, that will download the money into her account during the New Year's celebration. Oh yes, they only have one day to plan getting around the elaborate security systems and their getaway. I believe that one! Anyway, can't they trace where $8 billion dollars goes?

The gadgets are cool and the robberies are exciting, executed in the style of "Mission Impossible" and "The Pink Panther" films, or the jewel heist in "The Asphalt Jungle," but you never believe what's happening. Nothing sparks between Connery and Zeta-Jones. This May-December relationship is a stretch by far, and Zeta-Jones' whining, acting style needs some vast improvement. Was "The Mask of Zorro" a fluke?

Most of the plot holes are conveniently wrapped up in a surprise ending that is a definite eye-roller, with the expression, "Oh, come on!" sure to follow. With no subplots or supporting characters to fill in the gaps within the film, the only one entrapped is the audience.

Movie Buzz

Portman's post-"Star Wars" plans: As the cinematic juggernaut known as "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace" draws near, star Natalie Portman is already gearing up for her next project. The actress is in final talks to appear in a film based on Billie Letts' bestselling novel "Where the Heart Is." The project will mark the big-screen directing debut for Matt Williams, the creator of "Roseanne" and "Home Improvement." Portman would take the role of a 17-year-old girl who lives in an Oklahoma Wal-Mart store after being abandoned there by her boyfriend while the pair were en route to California. With no money and no where else to go, she resorts to making the store her home. The picture is set to begin shooting in June.

Hopkins does the "Impossible": Thankfully, it would appear that actor Anthony Hopkins has reconsidered his recently-announced retirement. According to various reports, the Oscar-winner has joined the cast of Tom Cruise's upcoming "Mission: Impossible 2." Hopkins will take on the role of Cruise's superior. Previous reports hinted that Ian McKellan ("Gods and Monsters," "Apt Pupil") had been in talks to take the role, but that apparently fell through. There's no word on how large Hopkin's part will be, though McKellan had been rumored to have been cast as a villain in the film at one time. Hmmm ... a sequel to a popular film with Tom Cruise, and Anthony Hopkins starring and John Woo directing. Think they'll have a hit on their hands? Anyone taking bets?

From the 'Say it Ain't So' file: Everyone's favorite anti-celebrity, Monica Lewinsky, is in talks to star in an Italian comedy film, according to several Italian newspapers. The former White House intern is considering a leading role in a movie to be produced by Italian film company Filmauro. Some newspapers reported that Lewinsky may already have signed a a multimillion-dollar contract. Newspapers said Lewinsky had first been approached by Filmauro while she was promoting her book, "Monica's Story," in Italy earlier this month. Lewinsky, 25, has been flooded with offers from film and television producers and publishers since news broke about her affair with President Clinton. Someone please check their watch -- isn't her 15 minutes of fame up yet?

Name That Flick

"Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit amphetamines." Our winner is Vance McGuire, who was the first to call and correctly guess Lloyd Bridges from the comedy classic "Airplane." Way to go, Vance! For this week, call if you know the answer to this trivia question: What was Sean Connery's first motion picture? If you think you know, call The Movie Guys Hotline at 225-9026 or e-mail us at movieguys5@aol.com. Be sure to spell your name and leave your daytime phone number, and if you're the first correct caller/ e-mailer, we will print your name right here in our column for the entire Las Vegas Valley to read. See you next week.