The Top 10 Highest-Profile Straight-to-DVD Releases
By Robert Sims, Special to Hollywood.com
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Wednesday, June 18, 2008
6. The Contract
The Big Losers: John Cusack, Morgan Freeman
Deservedly Dumped?: Kevin Costner’s loss is Cusack’s gain. In his lawsuit against the producers of Taming Ben Taylor, Costner claimed he rejected $8.5 million for The Contract to star opposite Michelle Pfeiffer in the never-made romcom. Cusack earned $6 million as Costner’s replacement, director Bruce Beresford reveals in his published diaries. And John Cusack’s worth every penny, as his verbal and physical sparring with the dignified Freeman keeps this by-the-numbers variation on The River somewhat involving. That said, prepare yourself for the usual twists and turns as ex-cop Cusack’s weekend wilderness getaway with his estranged son is ruined when he crosses paths with on-the-run hitman Freeman. But if a bored Beresford—once a respected director thanks to Breaker Morant and Driving Miss Daisy—shows no interest in his hero’s fate, why should you?
Stars: 2