The central question is: who committed the crime? He did! D.O.A., directed by Annabel Jankel and Rocky Morton and written by Charles Edward Pogue (based on a story by Russell Rouse and Clarence Greene), features Dennis Quaid, Meg Ryan, Daniel Stern, Charlotte Rampling, Jane Kaczmarek, and Christopher Neame. The film’s score is composed by Chaz Jankel, with cinematography by Yuri Neyman. This isn't a straightforward revival of the 1950 film noir of the same title; instead, the narrative follows Professor Dexter Cornell (Quaid) as he enters a police station claiming to be poisoned and near death. The story unfolds through his recollections, showing the events that led to the poisoning, but without revealing the perpetrator, while following the increasingly desperate professor's attempts to solve the mystery before he succumbs. While not quite as poor as its box office performance indicates, D.O.A. remains a somewhat uneven and disappointing experience. The filmmakers borrow only the core concept from the original film, attempting to put their own spin on it, but they introduce too many misleading clues into what was already a complicated situation. Some of the plot twists feel silly, and Meg Ryan’s casting in a significant female role seems odd—she simply doesn't fit the tone of the material. The explanation for the crime also feels far-fetched. Despite these flaws, there is still much to appreciate for those who enjoy neo-noir films. The film has a stylish visual presentation that pays homage to its noir influences. Starting in black and white to establish the story’s atmosphere, Jankel and Morton then incorporate tilted camera angles and distorted framing techniques. Shadows are frequently used, with elements like Venetian blinds and roof supports creating interesting effects; the inclusion of a spiral staircase later on is also quite striking. Quaid delivers a compelling performance in a challenging role that requires him to elicit sympathy even when his character isn't particularly appealing. Stern and Rampling also provide solid portrayals, although their roles feel somewhat underdeveloped considering how important their characters are to the unfolding events. The script feels overdone, and fundamentally D.O.A. is a thriller centered on a race against time disguised as neo-noir. Nevertheless, it’s still worth watching. 6.5/10

Source on TMDB