Lies and Illusions
Movie Review
"Lies and Illusions" released in 2009 can best be described as a crime espionage action thriller drama with a love story subplot. Director Tibor Takacs, cast and crew (especially the prop and special effects people) created an awesome film. My husband and I were on the edge of our seats for the entire 1 hour and 33 minutes. "Lies and Illusions" was an unexpected treat. We thought we were going to view a run of the mill crime drama. This movie was better.
"Lies and Illusions" begins with author, Wes Wilson (Christian Slater), first book Finding Love in the 21st Century becoming a best seller. On the night of celebrating Wes Wilson's writing success, his fiancee, Samantha (Sarah Ann Schultz), agrees to marry him. They are truly in love. As this happy couple are leaving the festivities their lives are drastically altered as they enter the underground parking lot. Samantha is kidnapped by thugs! Wes Wilson is knocked out, unable to save her. The film progresses showing the authorities searching for Samantha, but are unable to find Samantha, and Samantha's case becomes an unsolved crime. Wes meets with Samantha's attorney, Andrew Laughlin (Lochlyn Monro), who informs him that she will be legally dead in one year of the date of being kidnapped; then Wes will have full ownership of the house they shared, access to her bank accounts and safe deposit box, and be given Samantha's death certificate. That is if Samantha is not found in the interim. Devastated Wes goes through the mourning period and is unable to write. Wes loses interest in moving forward with his life until (six months later) during an autograph party for his best seller he meets a women's magazine writer, Nicole (Christa Campbell) who is a fan of his book. Nicole manages to convince the reluctant Wes Wilson to meet with her for an interview. Showing up at Nicole's apartment for the interview leads to more than an article written about him in a magazine. His new relationship with Nicole blossoms. They are happy together. Wes feels rejuvenated by this second chance for a real solid relationship. Another six months pass and Wes meets with Samantha's attorney on the one year anniversary of Samantha's kidnapping. Wes accepts the legal documents and key to Samantha's safe deposit box. Attorney Andrew Laughlin explains to Wes that Samantha is now considered legally dead even though her body was never found. The attorney further mentions that Samantha's social security number and the company she had worked for do not exist. Wes tries to get more information, but the attorney bids him a good life and offers a handshake. As Wes leaves the attorney's office, a stranger (Wes recognized from the six month ago autograph party) who had wanted the book signed for his girlfriend comes out of a limousine and introduces himself as Issac Kahn (Cuba Gooding Jr.). Issac informs Wes he is from the company that Samantha worked for and Samantha had stolen investments from the company. Issac invites Wes into his limousine to discuss the company reacquiring the stolen investments. Wes Wilson does not believe Issac Kahn. Wes remembers what the attorney had told him and knows his Samantha would never steal. Wes refuses to cooperate by entering the limousine with Issac. This decision escalates a fast paced chain of events that teaches Wes people are not always what they claim, and forces him into a world full of lies, illusions, smuggling, intrigue, and danger.
Other primary cast (by order listed in the credits): Robert Giardina (Boone, one of Issac Kahn's men), Al Madrigal (Martin Rivera, Wes Wilson's Literary Agent), John Casino (Sonny, another Issac Kahn man), and Merrill Yohnka (Joey, an Issac Kahn man).
"Lies and Illusions" is rated R, primarily for the violent action packed adult scenes and adult subject matter. This film is on DVD. Highly recommend; loved how different "Lies and Illusions" was from other movies in its genre! A definite "must see" if Christian Slater or Cuba Gooding Jr. fan! They were fantastic!
Enjoy!
