Film

What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases


Original Sin (2000)

Director: Michael Cristofer

Average user rating
No reviews

Movie review

From Time Out Film Guide

Early 20th century Cuba. Luis (Banderas) eagerly awaits the arrival of his mail-order bride. But when he meets the woman, Julia (Jolie), she's a knockout, not the homely maid of her photo. She didn't want him to like her for her looks, she says - which is okay because Luis, in turn, admits that he's actually a coffee tycoon, not the lowly clerk he'd described in his correspondence. Julia reveals incredible sexual skills and quickly puts Luis under her spell and keeps him there, even after he knows she's actually a con artist. Adapted from Cornell Woolrich's novel Waltz into Darkness, the film wallows in overblown acting and an insufferably long and convoluted narrative. Inconsistencies in Julia's story pop up like jack in the boxes as soon as she steps on to the island; the second half is especially painful to watch. In return, however, we're treated to several long shots of the nude, impossibly attractive leads. Don't feel bad about taking a prurient interest. They owe you. NKee.

Author: NKee

Time Out Film Guide


What do you think?
Post your review now

clear rating
Min 1 star. Zero stars will be treated as unrated.

*mandatory fields




Most popular on this site


Top Stories

The 10 worst date movies

The 10 worst date movies

Just in time for Valentine's Day, we present ten of the least romantic films ever made

Oscar predictions for 2012

Oscar predictions for 2012

We take a punt on who will win this year's golden statues

Where to watch this year's Oscar-nominated films

Where to watch this year's Oscar-nominated films

Find out where to watch 2012's Oscar-nominated films in London cinemas

10 unlikely badboy biopics

10 unlikely badboy biopics

Featuring Phil Collins, Jeremy Clarkson, Nick Clegg, David Starkey and a host of other unlikely subjects

Interview: Sean Durkin on 'Martha Marcy May Marlene'

Interview: Sean Durkin on 'Martha Marcy May Marlene'

The first-time director of the brilliant new thriller discusses religious cults and robot boxing

Has David Cronenberg turned tame?

Has David Cronenberg turned tame?

Has director David Cronenberg veered too far from his radical and bloody roots with new film 'A Dangerous Method'?

Pop-up cinema for Valentine's Day

Pop-up cinema for Valentine's Day

Side-step romantic clichés with some alternative Valentine’s viewing