LEAVING LAS VEGAS

CAPSULE REVIEW –– A film that could be "none more black" that leaves you with a spark of hope and an experience of true love you won't soon forget. If you're one of those moviegoers who needs their flicks to end happy with everything tied in a neat little bow, you will really hate this movie about a down and out screenwriter trying to commit suicide by drinking himself to death. Not exactly the quickest way to go, but probably one of the more enjoyable, if you don't mind the hangovers and vomiting. Cage plays our "hero" who just happens to meet the love of his life, Sera, a hooker played by Shue, on his way out of this world. Their story, of two very broken people who manage to find just a touch of love and acceptance in their lives, will leave you breathless. Nothing about their existence is fun and it's certainly not easy to watch, but it is incredibly honest and real. Never have I seen a love story where the characters have such great chemistry and yet are still so completely alone. Both Shue and Cage give the performances of their careers. While they are onscreen this film is mesmerizing. When they're not, it kind of drags and falls into disappointing plot conventions that are not worthy of their talent or the story. This is Figgis' most complete film, bringing two very complex characters to bitter, heartbreaking life.