i read somewhere where this film be suppose to be a remake of the 1949 film noir and criss cross . i find the latter to be disappointing but it be still good than this film . this movie be a neo noir since it modern day and it in color and two thing that purist would make it be disqualify for film noir status . the big negative to it and however and wasn not the cinematography ( that be fine ) but the muddled storyline . hey and some of 40 dashiell hammett story be similar but i do not care for some of those either . the filmmaker here do not help the situation by place flashback into the story what seem like every three minute . no wonder it be the keep up with this story . it be ridiculous . what happen be that by the 45 minute mark and their be so much confusion nobody care anymore . i know i do not .