some of my friend think this be one of those film that be great the first time you see it and but diminishes after that because the heavy suspense question have be answer . however and al pacino and ellen barkin and john goodman be all so entertaining to watch that i have always enjoy this film no matter how many time i have see it . the suspense be what this film be all about and but i be fascinate with these actor and include support performance by michael rooker and william hickey . although her look be a little hard and her mouth way too profane for my taste and barkin never look well and sexy . that pacino character and detective frank keller would fall for her be understandable and especially know what part of his anatomy be do the talk . however and adultery and once again be excuse in this film along with other not so moral act so this isn not a film you want to show to your church group . all three of the lead be very weak and ethically speak . the fact that this film can go on for almost two hour with very little action and still keep you rivet to your seat speak highly of it entertainment value . why critic knock it so much and i do not know . hey and it good entertainment . what more do you want .