Snake Eyes
Synopsis: Snake Eyes (1998), starring Nicolas Cage, is a stylish, fast-paced thriller directed by Brian De Palma. The story follows Rick Santoro, a corrupt yet charismatic Atlantic City detective who becomes entangled in a massive conspiracy after a high-profile assassination occurs during a championship boxing match. With thousands of spectators trapped inside a casino arena during a violent storm, Santoro races against time to uncover the truth.
As he pieces together conflicting eyewitness accounts, Rick discovers that the shooting is part of a deeper political plot—one that involves powerful players, dangerous secrets, and even his own trusted friend, Commander Kevin Dunne. With signature De Palma camerawork, suspenseful twists, and Cage’s high-energy performance, Snake Eyes blends mystery, action, and noir elements into a tense cinematic experience.
Rating: R for violence, language, and some sexual content
Run Time: 98 Minutes
Director: Brian De Palma
Nudity Factor: Couple scenes with females in underwear.
Of Note: The opening 20 minute Steadicam sequence is not really one continuous shot – there are numerous hidden edits. At least 12 minutes of the sequence was done in one take.
Recommendations:
Review by: Jason Schulte
Rating: 
Watching Snake Eyes more than 25 years after its release is an interesting experience—especially when you’re already a little skeptical of anything starring Nicolas Cage. This 1998 thriller, directed by Brian De Palma, drops you right into the chaotic energy of Atlantic City as Cage plays a flashy, corrupt cop who attends a major boxing match. He’s not just there for the fight, of course. He’s working his usual angles, making deals, and trying to cash in on the excitement of the night.
His ticket comes courtesy of an old military friend who’s on duty protecting a high-ranking government official. Naturally, things take a dark turn, and what starts as a night of entertainment quickly unravels into a conspiracy-fueled mystery.
One notable storytelling device used in Snake Eyes—and common in thrillers of the late ’90s—is the repeated replaying of the same event from various camera angles and character perspectives. Each new angle reveals a bit more of the truth behind the chaos. While this style adds depth and keeps the plot moving, it also causes the narrative to bounce around, sometimes feeling like key details were skipped or glossed over.
Overall, Snake Eyes isn’t a bad movie, but it’s not a standout thriller either. The film is stylish, Cage delivers his signature intensity, and the premise has potential. However, the story ends up feeling predictable, and even the “twists” are easy to spot long before they’re revealed. If you’re a fan of ’90s thrillers or Nicolas Cage’s unique brand of on-screen energy, it’s worth a watch—but don’t expect anything groundbreaking.