Watch Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead

Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead is a 1995 crime thriller directed by Gary Fleder, starring Andy Garcia, Christopher Walken, Christopher Lloyd, and Gabrielle Anwar. The film follows Jimmy "The Saint" Tosnia, a reformed gangster who is drawn back into a life of crime when he agrees to help his friend fulfill a dying wish. However, things quickly spiral out of control when Jimmy and his crew get caught up in a dangerous and unpredictable situation that threatens to destroy everything they hold dear.

The film opens with a narration by Joe Heff, a bar owner who introduces us to the main characters of the story. Jimmy "The Saint" Tosnia, played by Andy Garcia, is a former gangster who now runs a successful business writing "dead letters" for people who want to leave a final message for their loved ones. Franchise, played by William Forsythe, is Jimmy's former enforcer who is hired to help with a job that goes horribly wrong. The job in question involves a local crime boss, Mr. Shhh, played by Steve Buscemi, who wants to take out a former associate that has been threatening to turn on him.

As Jimmy gets pulled back into the seedy world of crime, he finds himself caught between loyalty to his friends and his desire to break free of his past. Along the way, he meets a series of colorful characters, including Christopher Walken's flamboyant hitman, Christopher Lloyd's eccentric funeral director, and Gabrielle Anwar's mysterious love interest. As the tension builds and the stakes get higher, Jimmy must use all of his wit and cunning to keep himself and his crew alive.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its unconventional structure. Rather than following a linear narrative, the story is told through a series of interconnected vignettes that jump back and forth in time. This innovative approach allows the audience to see events from multiple perspectives and helps to build a sense of mystery and intrigue.

Another standout feature of the film is its ensemble cast. Andy Garcia delivers a strong performance as Jimmy, bringing a sense of gravitas and moral complexity to the character. Christopher Walken steals the show as the enigmatic hitman known as "The Man with the Plan", delivering his trademark blend of intensity and humor. Christopher Lloyd is also a highlight as the eccentric funeral director, injecting the film with a sense of dark whimsy that helps to balance out the more serious themes.

Throughout the film, director Gary Fleder maintains a stylish and atmospheric aesthetic that gives the story a sense of noirish grit. The use of bold colors, sharp angles, and moody lighting all contribute to the film's visually striking look. Composer Michael Convertino's jazz-inflected score also helps to create a sense of tension and unease, further adding to the film's noirish vibe.

Despite its strengths, Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead is not without its flaws. Some critics have criticized the film for its reliance on cliches and its tendency towards over-the-top violence. However, for fans of crime thrillers and neo-noir cinema, the film remains a compelling and stylish entry in the genre.

In conclusion, Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead is a stylish and unconventional crime thriller that showcases strong performances from its talented cast. Featuring an innovative structure, moody aesthetic, and a gripping storyline, the film is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. While it may not be to everyone's taste, those who appreciate inventive filmmaking and complex characters will find much to enjoy in this gritty and atmospheric tale.

Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead is a 1995 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 46.