The Prime Gig

Thank God for Ed Harris! The three-time Oscar nominee workaholic pops up all over filmdom, and when he does, as in The Prime Gig, he kicks even the most mediocre production up a notch. And while 'most mediocre' doesn't necessarily describe this gig, the feature debut of Tony-winning theater director Gregory Mosher, it certainly benefits mightily from his presence. Vince Vaughn is Pendleton "Penny" Wise, a fast-talking bush league scammer whose particular knack is telesales. When Penny's current telemarketing job goes bust, he's recruited by the sexy young Caitlin Carlson (an unrecognizable Julia Ormond), who brings him round to boyfriend Kelly Grant (Harris), a legendary million dollar con with a truly prime gig. But when Penny starts romancing Caitlin himself, he loses sight of rule number one: "never trust another con." While far from the "intense and suspenseful thriller" New Line publicity boasts, The Prime Gig is nevertheless a solid effort, and while even Penny couldn't sell the ending as a surprise one, this Mamet-ish immorality tale of greed, sex and betrayal is still recommended. (S.C. Sickles)