NINE QUEENS (Nueve Reinas) ----------- When Juan (Gaston Pauls) pulls off a bill changing scam with a convenience store cashier, he's emboldened to try it again right after a shift change and is challenged. Stranger Marcos (Ricardo Darin) comes to his rescue, introduces himself as a fellow, more experienced con artist, and asks Juan to become his partner. No sooner do the duo work their first job together than a phone call from Marcos' sister Valeria (Leticia Bredice) results in a potential half million score - the sale of a counterfeit stamp rarity, a Weimar sheet misprint known as the "Nine Queens."
Argentinian writer/director Fabian Bielinsky has attempted to fashion one of those quick-moving sleights of hand that keep the audience guessing, but his tale will be all too familiar for anyone who's seen George Roy Hill's 1973 film, "The Sting." Bielinsky's enjoyable but slight tale gives his audience a splendid introduction to the real streets of Buenos Aires, filmed clandestinely by Marcelo Camorino.
Juan is initially uncomfortable with the bolder tactics of his new partner, upset that their first target together was a trusting old woman. When Marcos appears on the verge of dumping his new apprentice, however, Juan rebounds by making a wager that will text his skills and passes with flying colors. Their relationship becomes more complicated after a phone call from Marcos' sister Valeria. She's lower level management in a hotel and she doesn't want Marcos and his embarrassing criminal behavior darkening its lobby, but she's forced to call him when another, older, con man falls in a lavatory and pleads for her brother. Sandler (Oscar Nunez), a counterfeiter, was about to make a huge deal with a wealthy businessman. Marcos ruthlessly steps in on his deal, bringing Juan along for a cut.
Of course, their plan is jeopardized at every turn by the plethora of thieves that seem to surround them. Juan's cut increases every time he helps Marcos clear another hurdle, but finally, Juan is called upon to put his life savings on the line. Having witnessed Marcos, whose sister has accused of cheating herself and the little brother Federico (Tomas Fonzi) out of their inheritance, try to swindle everyone, including himself, he must decide if it's a gamble worth taking.
"Nine Queens" characters are engaging and occasionally amusing, but director Bielinsky never rises above simply putting them through their paces. He doesn't achieve the liftoff the film needs to sparkle, instead letting a leaden monotony set in. The film is goosed up with the introduction of Sandler's wealthy sister-in-law, who lives in a garish apartment with a younger boy toy, but this lively and amusing character makes too hasty an exit. The multi-layered con's final moves become labored by an unconvincing promise between Valeria and Marcos involving their younger brother's faith in his unsavory sibling.
"Nine Queens" works as a look at a Buenos Aires the tourist rarely gets to experience, but its swindle isn't slick enough.
C For more Reeling reviews visit www.reelingreviews.com
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