15 MINUTES is an acceptable modern-day crime thriller that takes time out to satirise the media and take a look at people's penchant for their '15 minutes of fame' which if everything is even more prevalent than it was fifteen years ago when this film was made. Although it features a headlining role for Robert De Niro, given his limited screen time he often feels like a supporting player in his own movie, with the hard-working Edward Burns as the main lead.The scene-stealing roles are given to Karel Roden and Oleg Taktarov, who excel as a pair of East European immigrants who arrive in New York and begin a crime spree. The story as it unfolds is resolutely gruesome and fitfully exciting, with some great set-pieces to enjoy, particularly a fiery one towards the climax. The casting director has done well to bring of interesting performers in, including the likes of Avery Brooks and Vera Farmiga, while Kelsey Grammar seems born to play the weaselly tabloid reporter.

This movie plot's premise is that people are captivated by celebrity, and will degrade themselves to get it. Didn't Andy Warhol declare that everyone will be famous for 15 minutes? At least he was supposed to say it, and folks do chase that elusive star status. So it is that two amoral Eastern Europeans, weaned on dumb tabloid TV shows exported to Europe, come to America thinking that the US is a land of opportunity for folks like them. In their deranged minds, they believe that "no one is responsible for what they do." The psychos assume that all they have to do is commit crimes, get them on tape, get captured, declare insanity, and rake in the dough that comes in through TV appearances and book rights. Simple enough . . .The two immigrants are criminals from Eastern Europe. The dominant one is as vile as one can imagine, a frightening Czech with contorted features and bulging eyes (Karel Roden = Emil Slovak). Slovak? Hmmm, why not Slovakian instead of Czech? Anyway, he is a psychotic murderer who enjoys his "work." The other, Oleg Taktarov (Oleg Razgul) is a none-too bright Russian who constantly and annoyingly takes videos of everything around him with his camcorder, which he stole in Times Square. They go to a NY apartment of a plumber "friend" to get their share of the loot that the "friend" and his wife were "holding" for them while the two depraved ones did serious jail time in the old country. Of course the money has been spent. Of course the couple will not survive. The murderers get it all on tape. But it does not help that a jittery redhead Czech woman, Daphne Handlova (Vera Varmiga), witnessed the whole thing and barely escapes on the fire escape into the city streets below. The psychopaths set fire to the place. On the crime scene is NY homicide detective Eddie Flemming (Robert De Niro). Flemming provides seedy Robert Hawkins (Kelsey Grammar), a Jerry Springer-like reality TV host ("Top Story"), information about his arrests to provide the show with the stories and eventual top ratings. Eddie's reward is publicity and folk-hero status. But it should be understood that in this film Eddie is not compromised by the relationship: He is a good and competent officer. His girl is attractive Nicolette Karas (Melina Kanakaredes). Hey, I'm glad they kept her a Greek in the flick. She has the essence and looks it. Nicolette is the lead crime reporter for "Top Stories," and we can ascertain how the two lovers help each others' careers along. Also on the crime scene is arson investigator Fire Marshal Jordy Warsaw (as Polish as one can get, Edward Burns), who has a partner, fireman Camello (Mike Camello, whose role is small). The Deputy Fire Marshal's name is Duffy. And there's Eddie's partner, a detective named Jackson. Notice all these ethnic surnames? Well, it is New York after all! Anyway, after an initial minor confrontation Flemming and Warsaw decide to work together as they realize that the arson masked a double murder. Remember, the killers are not yet ready to surrender. Now as terrified Daphne is an illegal immigrant she is afraid to come to the police for obvious reasons. And the thuggish ones have this knowledge, and they know her identity. They track her down to her place of work as a hair washer in a woman's beauty saloon. Daphne is threatened not to say anything, or else. Before that the two sociopaths murdered a prostitute who told them about Daphne's situation. After leaving the salon they are spotted on the streets by Flemming and Warsaw, who give chase. Emil and Oleg escape into vast Central Park, although the former takes a bullet in the foot.Daphne does cooperate with the police, and there are more taped murders, especially one in a surprising pivotal scene in the second half. The creeps want to sell the tapes to Hawkins for one million dollars. So the two lunatics hire themselves a lawyer as sleazy as they can get (Bruce Cutler). Cutler plans on pleading insanity for them by blaming the crimes on Emil's supposed abusive childhood. Oleg will be sent to a mental institution, where he will miraculously recover, be declared sane, and be released. The maniacs will then cash in on their "celebrity" status, like a movie deal, knowing that they cannot be tried again because of "double jeopardy." If the "plan" appears preposterous, well it is. Then the amateur director and the filmmaker quarrel, setting up the denouement.There are stretches here. I wondered long and hard about the possibility of a policeman and fireman teaming up for an obvious criminal investigation. And the conclusion surely has many coincidences. And before that the criminals' dream sort of comes true, doesn't it? Nevertheless, the movie does create tension, especially near the end. By then we are convinced that anything can happen in a movie that says that the media inculcates violence. But the film's cynical opinion is just as oppressive and brutal as the tabloid TV show it was supposedly against. Then again, maybe it's just a satire! One thing's for sure – subtle it isn't!Robert De Niro, a fine and respected actor who has won two Academy Awards for Best Actor ("The Godfather: Pt. II," 1974 and "Raging Bull," 1980), does very well with the role of a smart and eccentric NY detective. He shows signs of warmth, as when he takes time to write notes and practice proposing to his attractive girlfriend. Burns, rather bland (intentional?), is the opposite. Kanakaredes looks good and is competent as usual. Grammar, also a capable actor, does well with his part as a slimy TV host. But the best parts are those of the two unpredictable criminals themselves, who occupy much screen time. Karel Roden is just repellent. Would anyone want to be in the same room with this guy?

I just watched this movie lately and was pretty impressed. Robert De Niro plays the role of a detective and his acting like always was strong. He is one of the best actors and he surely proves it by doing a very fine job in this one. Edward Burns playing a Fire Marshall shows good acting skills. It is a unique movie quite different, good action,shows the relation between crime and media,the villains put up a good show,sharp,thought provoking, some would say a bit predictable but 15 min is a full package of action,drama,thriller,fun and what else do you want? TRUST ME A MUST WATCH THE CAST AND TAGLINE SAYS IT ALL! So go for it you'll surely have a good time. :)

'15 Minutes' is Power-Packed! A Terrific, Edgy Film that has a strong script & impressive performances working on its advantage. '15 Minutes' Synopsis: A homicide detective and a fire marshall must stop a pair of murderers who commit videotaped crimes to become media darlings.'15 Minutes' catches you from the word GO & sustains its momentum till the very end. John Herzfeld's Screenplay is strong, offering terrific & edgy moments all through. Also, the gruesome violence adds weight to the proceedings. Herzfeld's Direction, on the other-hand, is equally good. Cinematography is excellent. Editing is decent.Performance-Wise: Bobby De Niro steals the show. A Yet Another WOW Performance from the Acting Giant! Edward Burns is first-rate. Kelsey Grammar is impeccable, as usual. Vera Farmiga is perfect. Karel Roden & Oleg Taktarov are very menacing, while Charlize Theron pops up in a brief cameo.On the whole, '15 Minutes' is a must watch.