---

I was browsing the previewed movies in one of the many local Blockbusters when I stumbled on Montana for only about $4, and on sale at that. I thought that since this film came out before Phil had hit the big time yet listed him as one of the stars that it might be worth the few dollars. Also, the rest of the cast seemed very tempting (I am a big Stanley Tucci fan). I was not disappointed at all. In fact, this has become one of my absolutely favorite films ever.

This is the kind of film that requires, contains, and enhances good actors. The plot follows Kyra Sedgwick's character, Claire, who works for a big underworld boss, Robbie Coltrane, with her partner Nick (Stanley Tucci). Phil plays Duncan, a sort of scheming, slick version of his bitch role in The Big Lebowski, who seeks to bump Claire out and eventually take over the boss's place. Add to this plots including Robin Tunney as the moll who keeps running away, Ethan Embry as the bumbling son of the boss, terminal illness, shootings and gun swapping, etc. and you have the film.

The plot never gets too confusing and actually has a little something for everyone. There's drama, high tragedy, comedy, dark humor, violence, feminism, action, gun fights, etc. It's a really great film. There are scenes which just make me bounce with happiness (Robin Tunney is full of surprises) and make me bawl my heart out (Nick and Claire's cuddle before the blow out). And the ending, while admittedly bittersweet, is ultimately happy and upbeat. I know I aspire to be all high-minded with films but I am a sucker for a happy ending.

Phil's screentime amounts to just about 15 minutes but he makes the most of it and it is definately worth seeing for any fan if only for his performance. He postures, he preens, he gets to wave a gun around, and he... well, here's a spoiler: he gets killed. This might very well be the closest Phil has come thus far to playing the proverbial 'bad guy'.

Definately worth a watch, and you just might fall as in love with it as I have. If you're a Stanely Tucci or Kyra Sedgwick fan, this is a *must* see.