Predrag "Playing God" was supposed to be David Duchovny's breakout movie role, that came out at the height of "The X-Files"'s popularity and acclaim. I was really wondering, what can you get with a good script, good acting, good casting, poor editing, poor original music composition, and so-so direction? The answer: a film like this. The composer is channeling some of the worst b-movie concepts in the history of the last few decades here. There's a scene where Jolie gets shot that is so badly edited, directed, and scored you'll actually think it's intentionally botched... but I highly doubt it. Someone criticized the director of photography, but I didn't see any indication of incompetence in that regard here. The angles and shots you see in the final film are the fault of the director and the editor. They're not poorly lit or underexposed, and the principles look fine. The sets were also not bad, either. I would say it was likely the script that appealed to the actors and, in all honesty, how bad could some Hollywood professionals mess up a concept like this? A lot, it turns out...I had great expectations for this movie when it came out, and while I was disappointed, I thought the critics were far harsher than warranted. True, Duchovny's performance, while not bad, seems very similar to what he does on "The X-Files," a sort of flat, somewhat wry, never in real danger attitude. The biggest flaw with the movie has to be the fact that it couldn't make up its mind about what it wanted to be, film noir or dark comedy. At times, it veers toward a "Pulp Fiction"-like fascination with the minutia of being a criminal, while at other times it tries (but fails) to evoke suspense and fear. Personally, I think the dark comedy would have been the better way to go. There's a scene near the end where Duchovny, in an elevator surrounded by Asian tourists, does a deadpan response to an annoying FBI agent that's the highlight of the movie. In summary, this is a decent movie, if you lower your expectations.Overall rating: 6 out of 10.

SnoopyStyle Dr. Eugene Sands (David Duchovny) was stripped of his license when he operated while high. He is at a bar scoring drugs. There's a shooting and he helps the victim getting the attention of Claire (Angelina Jolie). Goons bring Sands to counterfeiter Raymond Blossom (Timothy Hutton) who hires him as a personal doctor. Claire is Blossom's girlfriend and Sands is paid $10k for saving his 'friend' at the bar.Timothy Hutton is not a good tough guy. When he's surrounded by other actors who always play tough, he looks silly. The movie feels fake on its own but he just makes it worst. He should forget about the blond hair and the slick clothes. They don't fit him. He's better off with a nice suit and act like a CEO. Duchovny is not good enough as a drug addict either. Jolie is oozing sexuality. Most of the movie struggles for pace and tension. This is trying for neo-noir crime drama with the style and the narration. It fails badly. The wipes, the camera effects, the locations and all the rest seem to be trying way too hard to make a bad movie more interesting.

mathmaniac I went into the experience of watching this movie expecting very little. I wanted to see the movie ever since I saw the preview for it years ago. I wasn't even aware that Angelina Jolie was in this. I'm not a great fan of David Duchovny. Timothy Hutton I expected to play his usual 'charming criminal role' and not do much more. That said, I was truly pleasantly surprised. The film had a nice even pace, lots of blood-spattering gun play and very little sex. In fact, I don't recall Angelina Jolie planting those huge lips of hers on anybody. Hmmm.David Duchovny played his part to perfection. Next to Angelina Jolie, his slouching casual self, muted by his dope habit, could have easily been a drooling fool captivated by her 'loose woman' persona. Instead, befitting an ultra-cool guy with years of education and socialization behind him, he turned it way down and was the cool hipster dealing with really evil hipsters who, like himself, always had some drugs in a pocket or the glove compartment. And like a cool hipster, he naturally kept encountering more and more cool hipsters. Like the bikers on the road who turn out to be allies when he is on the run.He had great lines, as did Timothy Hutton. He showed a mastery of timing, as did Timothy Hutton. Angelina kind of passed from man to man, looking beautiful but NOT having great lines and not having much of a history. I am glad I ordered this film from Amazon and finally got to see it. It was satisfying if you like any of the aforementioned actors. I liked Angelina Jolie in this film and I usually don't. She just looked good - good enough to make men want her but not interesting enough for anyone to want to get to know her.

thebigeasy555 David Duchovny plays the lead role in this film.Now a lot of people upon finding that fact out wouldn't even bother watching it.Very unfair to say the least.David made his name on the x-files and is a decent actor. Dr Eugene Sands(Duchovny)is a drug addicted doctor struck off for malpractice.By sheer accident he becomes a private doctor for criminal millionaire Raymond Blossom.However the FBI take an interest in using Eugene to snare Blossom. Angelina Jolie is cast in the supporting role of clare-the gangsters moll.She puts in a solid performance. Timothy Hutton playing Blossom is superb and immersed himself deeply into his character. Duchovny himself isn't as bad as many people would think and in the end i would rate his performance his credible.His familiar monotonous tone and straight face is present but dosen't detract too much from the film