"Everybody's career has ups and downs. I like to take chances, I don't like to stand still. And I don't give a damn what the market is interested in; I want to try things. Success has nothing to do with box office as far as I'm concerned. Success has to do with achieving your goals, your internal goals, and growing as a person. It would have been nice to have been connected with a couple more box office hits, but in the long run I don't think it makes you happier." Actor Alan Arkin


Arkin co-stars with Andy Garcia in "Steal Big Steal Little", the subject of this week's review. I think this quote helps to explain the longevity of Arkin's film career (he is 83 and will be seen next in Tim Burton's live-action remake of "Dumbo"). One of my favorite Arkin films is "The In-Laws" (Serpentine!) and Arkin's rapport with Andy Garcia reminds me a bit of the on-screen chemistry between Arkin and Peter Falk.

Like Arkin, I ignore box office receipts when deciding the value of a film. In fact, I intentionally write about films which may have tanked at theaters. I think far too much attention is paid to movies which aim at the lowest-common denominator and do not challenge the audience in any way. Not that "Steal Big Steal Little" is a great or important film, but I think most people will connect with Andy Garcia's character Ruben and his quest to rebuild his family.

"Steal Big Steal Little" was photographed on location in Santa Barbara, California and the film community will be gathering there beginning January 31st for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Actors Willem Dafoe, Gary Oldman, and Saoirse Ronan are among the performers being honored this year. The opening night film is from writer-director Emilio Estevez. Titled "The Public", the story takes place in a Cincinnati public library on a freezing night when the patrons refuse to leave. Christian Slater, Gabrielle Union, Alec Balwin, and Estevez star. Watch the trailer online and look for the film in theaters sometime this year.


Here's the latest article from the Drama Movies site at BellaOnline.com.

Steal Big Steal Little Film Review
"Steal Big Steal Little", director Andrew Davis's follow-up to "The Fugitive", is a film that deserves a second look. Andy Garcia stars in a dual role, playing twin brothers who are locked in battle over their adoptive mother's inheritance.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art44845.asp

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