Writer: Wahiduzzaman

Writer Ratings:
Overall:
Cast:
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Effects: NA
Cinematography:

Watch this if you liked: "Basic Instinct", "The Game", "Double Jeopardy"

If you are craving for a sexy and erotic thriller, then "Deception" does deliver. Aside from its major flaws, the sleek thriller is actually an entertaining one to watch. With big names including Hugh Jackman, Ewan McGregor and Michelle Williams, the strength of "Deception" lies in the strong cast performance and its catchy lines.

Storywise, the movie lacks originality. It appears to be an adaptation of other thrillers. Nothing fresh here, as you can actually predict the flow of the movie. Supposedly a thriller, but "Deception" is deceptively quite short of "thrills". Of course, there are major continuity bloopers, like how Jonathan McQuarry answers Wyatt Bose's mobile but the Nokia still shows the Answer or Reject option when he looks at it. A little silly for director Marcel Langenegger to have overlooked the scene in detail, no? Or did I make a mistake?

In any case, Hugh Jackman playing the lead fits the role quite well. He made Wyatt Bose look hunky and sexy. However, it was Ewan McGregor that was the scene-stealer. His role as nerdy accountant Jonathan McQuarry was tantalising, reminding me of his effective roles in "Big Fish" and "Cassandra's Dream" previously. It's timely and well delivered. Michelle Williams playing a mysterious girl named S was sexy enough, of course. Frankly, I have never appreciated her existence as an actress until I watched her performance in this movie. She's no diva but there's just something about her role, which touches me personally.

The cinematography work by Dante Spinotti as the Director of Photography is commendable. It delivers the right mood for the thriller. "Deception" is definitely a mixed bag with just as many things going for it than it has going against it. A final reminder - the movie's appeals is limited to fans of the stars in the movie and the typical Hollywood thrill-seekers out there.

Let's just hope the ending doesn't frustrate you as much as it did for me!

Cinema Online, 23 September 2008