Is Small Vices Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Small Vices is likely a skip if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 89 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Small Vices Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1999, Small Vices emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Drama, Mystery, TV Movie domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Bested on the best-selling novel by author Robert B. Unlike standard genre fare, Small Vices attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Robert Markowitz, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Crime elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Small Vices features a noteworthy lineup led by Joe Mantegna. Supported by the likes of Eugene Lipinski and Laila Robins, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Joe Mantegna, Eugene Lipinski, Laila Robins manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 1999 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Crime, Drama, Mystery, TV Movie space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Small Vices is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Small Vices follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 89 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Small Vices resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Crime landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 1/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Small Vices is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Bested on the best-selling novel by author Robert B. Parker, Joe Mantegna is Spenser - Boston's best-known private eye. Called upon to investigate a case of murder, corruption, and betrayal, the super sleuth finds himself marked for death and on the run from a ruthless international assassin.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Small Vices (1999) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 1/10 and strong performance metrics in the Crime, Drama, Mystery, TV Movie categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Joe Mantegna, Eugene Lipinski, Laila Robins or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Small Vices is a significant contribution to the cinema of 1999. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Small Vices is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 1/10, and global collection metrics, Small Vices stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1999 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Small Vices movie hit or flop?
Small Vices is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 1/10 and lower collections.
Is Small Vices worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 1/10, Small Vices may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Small Vices online?
Small Vices may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Part of the Spenser Collection
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View Full FranchiseSynopsis
Bested on the best-selling novel by author Robert B. Parker, Joe Mantegna is Spenser - Boston's best-known private eye. Called upon to investigate a case of murder, corruption, and betrayal, the super sleuth finds himself marked for death and on the run from a ruthless international assassin.