A gentle stock broker (Forest Whitaker) bets more than he can afford on a horse. A underworld muscle-man (Brendan Fraser) who mysteriously foresee the future. A pop star (Sarah Michelle Gellar) at the mercy of mafia don (Andy Garcia). A doctor (Kevin Bacon) desperately trying to save the love of his life. These are the characters occupying the canvas of this film. The individual story lines each representing a feeling: happiness, pleasure, sorrow and love, and they intersect as the film proceeds in a very Crash-like fashion. Fraser and Gellar were impressive and stood out from this impressive cast. It is obvious that Fraser when given a challenging role like in The Quiet American and here, can deliver the goods. But other than for the acting there is very little to write home about. The film strains and heaves to be taken seriously as philosophical piece but the substance seems to be missing.
Rating: * *
