The Bag Man
Universal Studios Home Entertainment | Release Date: February 28, 2014
5.4
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 37 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
18
Mixed:
7
Negative:
12
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
0
Qgal5kapMar 20, 2014
Oh my, what a seriously boring movie. I fell asleep watching it,
and I had to watch the remaining hour of it in two goes, to get through it..........
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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0
MovieMan12Apr 21, 2014
What was this?!?! I could not believe how bad this was. The Bag Man is about the worst film my eyes have every laid eyes on. Nobody should have to witness this disaster of a film.
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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8
alexbakerMar 2, 2014
The Bag Man is a modern day film noir crime story which is a great showcase for John Cusack as “Jack” the bagman, assigned to look after a mysterious leather satchel while hiding out at a seedy motel. Robert De Niro plays his crime boss andThe Bag Man is a modern day film noir crime story which is a great showcase for John Cusack as “Jack” the bagman, assigned to look after a mysterious leather satchel while hiding out at a seedy motel. Robert De Niro plays his crime boss and looks interesting with a silver pompadour, a la Paulie from the Sopranos.

The movie is definitely more sophisticated than a generic crime thriller with De Niro’s character quoting Herman Hesse and Sun Tzu. The motel Cusack hides out in is also filled with odd characters like the desk clerk played by Crispin Glover, a Serbian dwarf and a pimp with an eye patch. The tension of not knowing what’s in the bag works very well and there’s also lots of good action.

All in all, The Bag Man was a pretty enjoyable ride and had an offbeat sensibility that reminded me of the Coen brothers.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
TootiepieMar 2, 2014
I really liked it. It was fun to see Cusack and Glover together again. If you like heist movie or quentin movies, you'll like this one. Oh and De Niro! Let's not forget him. Oh, I guessed what was in the bag, but not specifically.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
donnadMar 2, 2014
The Bag Man is a classic mcguffin type film however we actually learn what is In The Bag at the end. De Niro role is a gangster who has crazy quotes and demands that John Cusack retrieves a bag for him without looking inside.. Cusack is theThe Bag Man is a classic mcguffin type film however we actually learn what is In The Bag at the end. De Niro role is a gangster who has crazy quotes and demands that John Cusack retrieves a bag for him without looking inside.. Cusack is the "Bag Man", a serious role for him- he was a heavy and playing a tough guy. There are quite a few odd characters including a pimp and a midget that add some spice to the film. The acting was really strong and well done. The end has a great twist as well.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
goobervilleMar 2, 2014
Not a bad first time effort from writer/director David Grovic, especially considering this was his first major motion picture. I really liked the neo-Film Noir vibe although the movie was so dark sometimes it was kind of hard to see what wasNot a bad first time effort from writer/director David Grovic, especially considering this was his first major motion picture. I really liked the neo-Film Noir vibe although the movie was so dark sometimes it was kind of hard to see what was going on in some scenes. De Niro was enjoyable as the crime boss, a role that seemed tailor made for him. Interesting casting with John Cusack as “The Bag Man.” I like seeing him step out of his usual light comic roles and playing it more straight. Perfect Crispin Glover role as the quirky desk clerk. He’s such an interesting actor, it’s too bad there aren’t more good parts for him. Rebecca De Costa was stunning obviously but also a good actress. I definitely expect to see her in more big roles this year. All in all, The Bag Man was a good time and a fun ride!… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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9
paperisthinMar 3, 2014
It was good, reminded me of a Tarantino movie with Cusack instead of Travolta. Thought he was really believable as Jack. De Niro & Crispin Glover were great as usual, playing uniquely eccentric characters. And while Rebecca Da Costa wasIt was good, reminded me of a Tarantino movie with Cusack instead of Travolta. Thought he was really believable as Jack. De Niro & Crispin Glover were great as usual, playing uniquely eccentric characters. And while Rebecca Da Costa was smoking hot, she’s also a really good actress and I could see her becoming a star in her own right.

Maybe not an instant classic, but I’d recommend “The Bag Man” to friends.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
emilymdevineMar 3, 2014
Really interesting movie, loved the concept of the “mysterious bag” you don’t know what is in for almost the whole movie. Reminded me of the briefcase in Pulp Fiction and the whole movie had kind of a pseudo-Tarantino feel to it with all theReally interesting movie, loved the concept of the “mysterious bag” you don’t know what is in for almost the whole movie. Reminded me of the briefcase in Pulp Fiction and the whole movie had kind of a pseudo-Tarantino feel to it with all the oddball characters in the motel and De Niro as an intellectual gangster. John Cusack was pretty good, as usual. Bit of a strange part for him as I’m used to seeing him in comedies but he was pretty convincing as a tough guy. Maybe not a masterpiece, but it was entertaining and I was never bored.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
lindsmarloweMar 5, 2014
Really enjoyed seeing Rebecca da Costa on the big screen! She's an inspiration. De Niro and Cusack is always a good combo - a movie HAS to epic when the two of them join forces!
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
tammybishopMar 7, 2014
A moody, neo noir thriller, set in a dark and stormy motel, The Bag Man was captivating and tense from beginning to end. There were strong performances from the actors, both John Cusack and De Niro were well cast and had a great chemistry,A moody, neo noir thriller, set in a dark and stormy motel, The Bag Man was captivating and tense from beginning to end. There were strong performances from the actors, both John Cusack and De Niro were well cast and had a great chemistry, with De Niro as the boss and Cusack as the bag man. Also excellent were the supporting cast with Crispin Glover in an appropriate role as the weird desk clerk at the motel. The plot twists and action make the movie very gripping. There is also a dark, underlying comedic tone that really suits John Cusack. Rebecca De Costa is great as the damsel in distress who knows more than she lets on.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
sambendMar 10, 2014
OMG what an awesome movie! Loved the Bag Man and John Cusack is always one of my favs. He was really hot as the bag man and its cool to see him playing a tough guy for a change. Robert De Niro was so himself as the crime boss guy and the plotOMG what an awesome movie! Loved the Bag Man and John Cusack is always one of my favs. He was really hot as the bag man and its cool to see him playing a tough guy for a change. Robert De Niro was so himself as the crime boss guy and the plot was really intense. I liked the action and the unexpected plot twists. It was cool how dark and moody the movie was although I agree that it was hard to see some of what was going on. But that kinda added to the mood of the film so I think the darkness was appropriate. Really cool movie, I heart John Cusack! LOL!… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
Tss5078Apr 10, 2015
The Bag Man is one of these incredibly weird and twisted movies, that you really don't want to sit through, but once you start it, you'll finish it, because you'll want to know what's in that bag?! During a secret meeting, a mob boss givesThe Bag Man is one of these incredibly weird and twisted movies, that you really don't want to sit through, but once you start it, you'll finish it, because you'll want to know what's in that bag?! During a secret meeting, a mob boss gives his hit man a seemingly easy job. Pick up a bag, go to a motel in the middle of nowhere, and wait there until the boss comes to pick it up. The hit man does as he's told and gets a room at this motel, which is not only in the middle of nowhere, but is also filled with a group of ridiculously strange people, who all want this mysterious bag. John Cusack stars and no matter the role or the film, he's always fun to watch. There is just something about him that always makes his films entertaining and it's a good thing, especially in a film like this. While Cusack is along for the ride, it is very hard to follow along and like what you're seeing, because the film is just so bizarre. The cast of characters coming for this secret bag, include a pimp, a Russian midget, a corrupt sheriff, and a very weird guy in a wheelchair just to name a few. As the night wears on it becomes harder and harder to protect this bag, and in the end, when the bag is finally opened, you'll realize, that you just wasted 90 minutes for that!? I admire anything John Cusack does, De Niro is always terrific as a gangster, and if nothing else, The Bag Man is unique, but not for it's story. The hook, the thing that really drags you into this is that mysterious bag, which in the end, isn't as special as are you're lead to believe.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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1
csw12Apr 20, 2014
A shameful movie to say the least. Incomprehensible, unwatchable (literally), and acting that is embarrassing. The Bag Man is just more proof that Hollywood would release any kind of trash for its audience.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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1
Trev29Apr 26, 2014
A totally nonsensical mess. It is not so much a movie as a collage of stupid ideas. The lighting was awful, the script was pathetic, and the acting was...bizarre.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
LeZeeJan 24, 2017
A mystery bag in the hands of an obedient man!

As the title suggests, it's all about the bag, a mystery bag. An interesting angle of storytelling. It was a good mystery, though they did not get it right. The plot line had all theA mystery bag in the hands of an obedient man!

As the title suggests, it's all about the bag, a mystery bag. An interesting angle of storytelling. It was a good mystery, though they did not get it right. The plot line had all the ingredients, but while developing it, they had lost the way. I was not impressed with the writing and also the direction. It is engaging with a fine pace, but visually all the crucial film scenes looked so flat or comparable with other classic films. More or less, everything is predictable, except the end twist.

This is a one day tale. Most of the film takes place in one night with full of mixup and going after the truth. A gangster boss hires a hit-man for an important job that he must safeguard a bag till he arrive to get it in an isolated motel. During waiting for his boss, the bag man goes through unexpected events which eventually taking many turns, that comes to an end with a twist. With the limited cast, everyone got a fair share of screen.

The actors like Cusack and De Niro are the advantage, but this is not an ideal film for such actors. Lately they and many other aged actors are into such films. So it is expected, but not expected to fail all their attempts. This film was okay, if you are not looking for a masterpiece thriller. Can be watched once, but instantly forgettable film. So film like this cannot be recommended, but if you decide to watch, don't expect anything other than just an entertainment or timepass. That is what it is good at.

4.5/10… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
MovieReviewsApr 4, 2014
I was really in a mood for a movie when I watched "The Bag Man" and even if I weren't, I wouldn't dare to give it a bad review. "The Bag Man" stars John Cusack, Rebecca Da Costa and Robert De Niro, an excellent choice of cast, the premise isI was really in a mood for a movie when I watched "The Bag Man" and even if I weren't, I wouldn't dare to give it a bad review. "The Bag Man" stars John Cusack, Rebecca Da Costa and Robert De Niro, an excellent choice of cast, the premise is interesting, dark and leaves you at the edge of your seat and curiosity, it really kind of mixes between action, tragedy and thriller. Despite, in some scenes it is dull, but it needs to be dull, it alerts you that something big will happen at the end, and when it does, it is satisfying. Although the movie is in some parts predictable, but for the most part, it works out as a mystery that isn't gonna solve it self, thus at some parts you have to connect the dots. It is absolutely not a perfect film, but I don't see why it went directly to home video, it is worth your time, you can rent it first if you don't want to spend money on it. It is worth it, I recommend "The Bag Man" on a friday night with your friends and popcorn, you're gonna have fun watching it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
TerrenceForbesMar 6, 2014
It was pretty good, reminded me of a Quentin Tarantino movie with John Cusack instead of Travolta. Thought he was really believable as Jack, the bag man who gets in over his head and has to change the rules and turn the game around.

RobertIt was pretty good, reminded me of a Quentin Tarantino movie with John Cusack instead of Travolta. Thought he was really believable as Jack, the bag man who gets in over his head and has to change the rules and turn the game around.

Robert De Niro was great as usual, this part was totally in his wheelhouse, playing the eccentric crime boss. Oh and Rebecca Da Costa was smoking hot! But seriously, she’s also a really good actress and I could see her becoming a really big star after this. And it doesn’t hurt that she’s hot.

Maybe not an instant classic, but I’d probably recommend “The Bag Man” to friends.… Expand
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7
MaryshanitaMar 6, 2014
Loved it! Classic De Niro role as the gangster boss who quotes his college thesis. Loved seeing Jon Cusack as the “Bag Man”, reminded me of when he did Gross Point Blank, but more of a serious take on the part. Why doesn’t he play tough guysLoved it! Classic De Niro role as the gangster boss who quotes his college thesis. Loved seeing Jon Cusack as the “Bag Man”, reminded me of when he did Gross Point Blank, but more of a serious take on the part. Why doesn’t he play tough guys more often I wonder? He was really convincing in this part and it was a nice change from the kind of light comedy roles he always seems to play.

Anyway, great movie, lots of fun to watch and loved all the bizarre characters who inhabit this little motel. It is a bit dark, in terms of the lighting, but that kind of added to the modern day film noir vibe so it was okay by me.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
RandabarbaraMar 6, 2014
Really interesting movie, loved the concept of the “mysterious bag” you don’t know what is in for almost the whole movie. Reminded me of the briefcase in Pulp Fiction and the whole movie had kind of a pseudo-Tarantino feel to it with all theReally interesting movie, loved the concept of the “mysterious bag” you don’t know what is in for almost the whole movie. Reminded me of the briefcase in Pulp Fiction and the whole movie had kind of a pseudo-Tarantino feel to it with all the oddball characters in the motel and De Niro as an intellectual gangster. John Cusack was pretty good, as usual. Bit of a strange part for him as I’m used to seeing him in comedies but he was pretty convincing as a tough guy. Maybe not a masterpiece, but it was entertaining and I was never bored.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
dorothabettyMar 6, 2014
Not a bad first time effort from writer/director David Grovic, especially considering this was his first major motion picture. I really dug the neo-Film Noir vibe although the movie was so dark sometimes it was kind of hard to see what wasNot a bad first time effort from writer/director David Grovic, especially considering this was his first major motion picture. I really dug the neo-Film Noir vibe although the movie was so dark sometimes it was kind of hard to see what was going on in some scenes. De Niro was enjoyable as the crime boss, although it didn’t really seem like he stretched himself too much. Interesting casting with John Cusack as “The Bag Man.” I like seeing him step out of his usual light comic roles and playing it more straight. Perfect Crispin Glover role as the quirky desk clerk. He’s such an interesting actor, it’s too bad there aren’t more good parts for him. Rebecca De Costa was stunning obviously but also a good actress. I definitely expect to see her in more big roles this year. All in all, The Bag Man was a good time and a fun ride!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
felisadorisMar 6, 2014
The Bag Man is a modern day film noir crime story which is a great showcase for John Cusack as “Jack” the bagman, assigned to look after a mysterious leather satchel while hiding out at a seedy motel. Robert De Niro plays his crime boss andThe Bag Man is a modern day film noir crime story which is a great showcase for John Cusack as “Jack” the bagman, assigned to look after a mysterious leather satchel while hiding out at a seedy motel. Robert De Niro plays his crime boss and looks interesting with a silver pompadour, a la Paulie from the Sopranos.

The movie is definitely more sophisticated than a generic crime thriller with De Niro’s character quoting Herman Hesse and Sun Tzu. The motel Cusack hides out in is also filled with odd characters like the desk clerk played by Crispin Glover, a Serbian dwarf and a pimp with an eye patch. The tension of not knowing what’s in the bag works very well and there’s also lots of good action.

All in all, The Bag Man was a pretty enjoyable ride and had an offbeat sensibility that reminded me of the Coen brothers.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
bonniewilleneMar 6, 2014
The Bag Man is a dark, gritty thriller that has offbeat sensibilities that reminded me of Tarantino or the Coen Brothers. Robert De Niro plays an intellectual crime boss and it was great to see him back in a tough, wiseguy role after all theThe Bag Man is a dark, gritty thriller that has offbeat sensibilities that reminded me of Tarantino or the Coen Brothers. Robert De Niro plays an intellectual crime boss and it was great to see him back in a tough, wiseguy role after all the comedic “Meet the Fockers” type films he seems to be stuck in lately.

John Cusack also steps outside of his usual range to play “Jack” a bad guy with a noble streak. He was surprisingly convincing as ill-tempered Jack and his performance was a reminder of his range, since like De Niro, he seems to get stuck in light comedy roles lately.

Rebecca De Costa shines as “Rivka” the femme fatale. This movie may not be the breakout role for her, but it could be the movie that leads to her getting the breakout role. Overall, the Bag Man was engaging and enjoyable, especially if you’re a fan of crime thrillers, which I am.… Expand
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8
aftonrobinMar 6, 2014
Totally cool crime thriller! Love seeing Robert De Niro back playing a serious crime boss after all the “Meet the Parents” comedy roles he’s done lately. The plot surrounding the mysterious “bag” John Cusack has to look after was filled withTotally cool crime thriller! Love seeing Robert De Niro back playing a serious crime boss after all the “Meet the Parents” comedy roles he’s done lately. The plot surrounding the mysterious “bag” John Cusack has to look after was filled with tension. I liked the simple idea of him hiding out in a cheap motel filled with interesting characters. Also lots of great action and a smoking hot femme fatale! All in all, the Bag Man had everything I look for in a crime thriller, tension, action, strong characters, and a sexy chic. I’d recommend this movie.… Expand
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1
stellajoMar 28, 2014
I'm a sucker for this genre, but no...this film just didn't cut it. While the action and bloodshed kept the pace and tension moving, the humor was poorly timed and delivered. DeNiro and Cusack should have been a sure thing, but wasted inI'm a sucker for this genre, but no...this film just didn't cut it. While the action and bloodshed kept the pace and tension moving, the humor was poorly timed and delivered. DeNiro and Cusack should have been a sure thing, but wasted in this film IMO. Lackluster dialogue and the fact that the actresses face never moved were the final blow for me. It was one of those movies where I wouldn't be surprised to find out that she was spoon fed lines because they were all delivered in the same flat tone, ugh...don't waste your time… Expand
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