Critic's Grade: C-

Although there are some moments of genuine power in Alan Rifkin's "Night at the Golden Eagle," there is a disconnectedness that dominates much of the plot, keeping the movie from being a solid affair. The central focus of the plot is ex-convict Tommy (Donnie Montemarano), recently released from a California prison just in time to realize that at the age of 59, he has no prospects and no guarantee of a stable future. After reconnecting with old pal Mick (Vinny Argiro), the two begin to make big plans for a relocation to Las Vegas, where opportunity awaits. But when Tommy's darker side slips through once again and endangers his freedom, things fall into a constant downward spiral.

Accompanying this subplot are a series of separate stories involving a trio of prostitutes (Natasha Lyonne, Ann Magnuson, Nicole Jacobs), one of whom ends up being Tommy's victim, the other a young newbie introduced to the group by smooth-talker Rodan (Vinnie Jones). The best scene in the film belongs to Jacobs as the novice, who turned to the streets after being rejected by her mother when she discovered that her husband was sexually abusing her daughter. In her attempt to learn the ways of prostitution, Jacobs must hide in a closet while Magnuson pleasures a much older man, calling him "Daddy." The effects of the scene are immeasurable, and they lead into a developing subplot that deserves a better movie.

It's really a shame that the parts as a whole don't exactly measure up to much in the end. Rifkin's wallow in decrepit street slang and urban filth is given a distinctive cinematic sheen that quickly wears thin once the story begins to turn on itself. Attention to smaller, insignificant details and characters provides for some unneeded ventures, taking our attention away from more important elements of the script. The acting is all-around good without being that terrific, but the characters remain as distant from us in the final moments as they were when we were just getting to know them. Tommy is seen as a man who just can't seem to learn from his actions; had this been the intent of the filmmakers, it might have been a success. As it stands, however, the film remains a vapid, hollow experience that doesn't really pack the punch it promises. As far as I'm concerned, this "Night" isn't much fun.

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