Snake Eyes
Performance & Direction: Snake Eyes Review
Last updated: February 18, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Snake Eyes (1998) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Snake Eyes features a noteworthy lineup led by Nicolas Cage . Supported by the likes of Gary Sinise and Carla Gugino , 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.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Snake Eyes
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1998, Snake Eyes is a Crime, Mystery, Thriller film directed by Brian De Palma. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Nicolas Cage.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. All bets are off when shady homicide cop Rick Santoro witnesses a murder during a boxing match. Determined to solve the crime, he quickly learns that his search for answers will only uncover yet more questions in an ever-widening web of conspiracy, intrigue, and danger. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Nicolas Cage's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Snake Eyes
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Brian De Palma, Snake Eyes concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Nicolas Cage, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Snake Eyes reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Snake Eyes Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Snake Eyes incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, mystery, thriller film directed by Brian De Palma, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Nicolas Cage's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Snake Eyes adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Snake Eyes?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Nicolas Cage or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Snake Eyes
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $73.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $103.9M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Snake Eyes Budget
The estimated production budget for Snake Eyes is $73.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Snake Eyes
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Snake Eyes Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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Google Play Movies
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Plex🏷️ Buy on
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeSnake Eyes Parents Guide & Age Rating
1998 AdvisoryWondering about Snake Eyes age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Snake Eyes is 98 minutes (1h 38m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, Snake Eyes is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1998 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Snake Eyes worth watching?
Snake Eyes is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Snake Eyes parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Snake Eyes identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Snake Eyes?
The total duration of Snake Eyes is 98 minutes, which is approximately 1h 38m long.
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Critic Reviews for Snake Eyes
It’s just typical John Travolta , Nicholas Cage , doing John Travolta and Nick Cage Until the demise of one of them. Not memorable. But you knew that!
My biggest problem with this, aside from the shockingly wooden acting from Nicolas Cage - is that I saw through the subterfuge almost immediately. Quite possibly luck, but once I'd guessed who was doing what to whom, the thing just descended into a remarkably procedural thrill-free thriller that I really struggled to remain engaged with. As it is, dodgy cop "Santoro" (Cage) finds himself embroiled in the assassination of the US Defence Secretary at a boxing match. Working with his military security chief - and close friend "Dunne" (Gary Sinise) he has to try and find out just who would gain by this, and why. There are a few red herrings, a mysterious woman in white, and as the story develops plenty of plausible enough candidates, but there is precious little jeopardy and the "Santoro" character is neither likeable nor engaging. Some of the dialogue is pretty cringeworthy, and I am afraid I just found the whole thing a fairly mediocre and forgettable effort all round.
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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