Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

James Spader is a former cop-turned-bank robber in THE STICKUP. In the course of the robbery and getaway, things don't go quite as planned and Spader ends up wounded. Fortunately, prior to to the robbery, he has met a nurse (Leslie Stefanson of THE GENERAL'S DAUGHTER) who helps him mend in her home. Problem is, she's the ex of local deputy sheriff David Keith, who is hot on Spader's trail and keeping a close eye on his ex at the same time. John Livingston plays a boyish FBI agent sent in to take over the case, and provides some needed comic relief. The film employs several critical flashbacks without being confusing. It also is quite suspenseful. Spader as always is low-key and a pleasure to watch. A perfect little crime drama for watching on the small screen.

James Spader is always likable no matter how sleazy or dishonest he is. There is no doubt that he carries this film completely by himself, because all other performances are quickly forgotten. In fact, Spader is downright excellent as L.A. detective John Parker who gets involved in both a bank robbery and a girl in the same day.Like the rest of the actors, the movie is quickly forgotten as well—a low-key cops n' robbers story with a few twists and one or two laughs at best. It is mostly slow and serious and while this pace is deliberate to build up tension in the plot, there are no satisfying action sequences or culminations of any kind to follow it as it unfolds. The rapport between Parker and the lead girl was simply not good as it tried too hard to be 'edgy' with lots of quick bantering and, in the end, was unable to convey any real emotion or even on-screen chemistry. This doesn't make The Stickup a bad movie, but it makes it pretty mediocre. 5/10

Picked up a couple of videos to watch on this rainy Saturday afternoon. Oh what a waste of time this movie was. Can I get my money back? I love James Spader. What a great actor. I'm sure he wouldn't have taken this role if it wasn't a good script -- originally. Too bad that in the process of making this film so many bad decisions were made.What I found to be the most disappointing was the casting of the lead (and only) female character. There just wasn't any chemistry between Leslie Stefanson and Spader. I can think of SO MANY other actresses who could have been far more believable, interesting and competent. Stefanson couldn't deliver a convincing performance. If Natalie really was attracted to Parker, why didn't she act like it? His reasons for getting involved with her were obvious -- he needed her help (and wasn't going to turn down her quick invitation to jump in the sack) -- but what were her reasons for getting (and staying) involved with him? Even when they first met, there was no flirting, no dalliance. This mysterious man just shows up one day and brings excitement and intrigue into her otherwise duller-than-dull life, yet we see no emotion from her. Natalie took a lot of serious risks helping Parker, yet Stefanson's performance left me wondering why. Being his nurse as well as his lover, one would expect some tenderness, some warmth from her. I found her to be cool, aloof and sarcastic. There should have been some fervor from her to justify her actions.The main storyline of this movie involving the crime and the mystery of solving it was a good one. But the simultaneous "romantic" relationship between Natalie and Parker never heated up as they became more involved with each other, and it should have. That was a disturbing distraction to me.

"The Stickup" is all about Spader as a burned out LAPD cop on the run after being shot for robbing a bank in some fictitious small town in California's Sierra-Nevada mountains (played by Canada). Spader takes up with a babe who happens to be a nurse and the ex-wife of the town Sheriff, etc., etc. Toss in a lame FBI rookie, some Indians, and a bunch of flashbacks about Spader's past, mix them with a low budget and poor direction, and you have a film which will make you cringe when you're supposed to be enthralled or yawn when you're supposed to be thrilled. The only thing this loser has going for it is an unexpected twist at about the halfway point which doesn't make it a good film but it may keep you from ejecting your DVD prematurely. Best saved for broadcast. (C-)