CHEATERS (2000)

Written & Directed By: John Stockwell
Cinematography By: David Hennings
Editor: Eric A. Sears & Scott K. Wallace

Cast: Jeff Daniels, Jena Malone, Luke Edwards, Blake Heron, Paul Sorovino


Based on a true story. This film is a HBO original movie that is better then you expect it to be. It's realistic and doesn't feel false and the acting is superb. The directing is Non-Flashy.

What i appreciate is that it presents a human being who made a mistake, but you can understand why. It ends up being his greatest success and his downfall. It wasn't greed. It is an act out of frustration. It comes from where he see's everyone else bending the rules, They get away with it and are successful, But when you play by the rules it seems there is more against you so that it seems like you can never win. As soon as you cross the line to the dark side. You are not only taken down while losing the morals you once considered impeechable. That at first you say you will only go but so far but soon to maintain you have to go even furthur down the black hole. If you get caught though you will be the one made a prime example of what's wrong.

I like that we get to know all of the team members caught up in the scandal even the most minute member. It makes them all three dimesional. Some get more attention then others, but each gets the time to shine and don't come off as caricatures. They all come from immigrant/Urban backgrounds and are not privy to access the same materials other schools have, butthey are all very intelligent.

The films shows how success changes some of them for the better and some for the worst. The film also shows how it affects their families. The film is a good directing debut for Actor John Stockwell (Christine). of course there is room for improvement, but not bad for a debut.

This is a good rental that goes above and beyond The material. None of it feels false.

GRADE: C+