Andy Garcia's 'Diamond' is a low-key, charming noir riff that takes a hard-boiled private detective, Joe Diamond, and places him in a contemporary Los Angeles setting. The film is a love letter to the classic film noir genre, with a modern twist. Garcia, who also directed and wrote the film, embodies the old-school private eye with a unique blend of eccentricity and detective prowess. The story revolves around Diamond's attempt to exonerate a woman accused of killing her husband, leading him to uncover a deeper mystery. The review highlights the film's strong points, including Garcia's performance, the supporting cast, and the jazz-heavy score. However, it also points out some rough edges, such as a missing scene and a somewhat uninvolving mystery. The reviewer praises the film's unique take on the noir genre, particularly the revelation in the last third that Diamond may not be mentally well, adding depth to the character. Overall, 'Diamond' is a minor neo-noir that, despite its flaws, is worth watching, especially for fans of Garcia and the genre.
