The Operator

In its unleashing of relentless, cosmic retribution, The Operator is not unlike the recent "Joy Ride."

The performances are so solid - and newcomer Jon Dichter's direction (he also wrote the script) is so utterly assured - that the rather contrived ending barely seems to detract from the film's entertainment value.

Though clearly shot on a shoestring, it's handsome, tightly written and generally well acted.

Utter lack of irony and curiosity.

A movie about a man forced to stop thinking of himself as the center of the universe ends up feeling suffocatingly self-centered.

A mostly slick, intelligent psychological thriller/modern morality tale flawed by occasional lapses of subtlety and a central performance that veers just to the wrong side of empathetic.

Can't surmount its own ineptitude.