The reason the film prompts laughter, and finally elation, is not because it's jolly or has any feel-good words to live by. It's because of the utterly demonic skill with which these foulmouthed characters carve one another up in futile attempts to stave off disaster.

The pleasure of this unique film comes in watching superb actors dine on Mamet's pungent language like the feast it is.

The movie version, directed with unobtrusive precision by James Foley, stays amazingly true to the play's feisty spirit.

Gets most of its legs from the acting and the dialogue, which has such a rhythmic grace that scenes from the movie can be played and replayed with no loss of thump.

A searing showcase for a remarkable ensemble cast.