The Glimmer Man

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The Glimmer Man

R

1996

1h 32m

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

11%

Tomatometer

28 Reviews

38%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

A former government operative renowned for his stealth, Jack Cole (Steven Seagal) is now a Los Angeles police detective. When a series of horrible murders occurs in the metro area, Cole is assigned to the case, along with tough-talking fellow cop Jim Campbell (Keenen Ivory Wayans). Although the two men clash, they gradually become effective partners as they uncover a conspiracy linked to the killings, which also involves terrorism and organized crime.

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Critics Consensus

A grimy, humorless glimpse of Steven Seagal's direct-to-video future, Glimmer Man fails to shine.

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Quentin Curtis

Daily Telegraph (UK)

11/22/2017

John Gray's The Glimmer Man is strictly for Steven Seagal fans (if there is such a species).

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Time Out

06/24/2006

Although this slick Seagal action pic won't convert die-hard detractors, aficionados will note that he's both gained weight and lightened up.

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Richard Harrington

Washington Post

01/22/2002

The plot of The Glimmer Man involves not only the Family Man but Our Evil Secret Government, the Russian Mafia and Rich Powerful Politicians -- the three stooges of action cinema in the '90s.

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Mal Vincent

The Virginian-Pilot

03/02/2022

1/4

It may be beneath contempt but, at the same time, it deserves contempt.

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

04/17/2021

2/4

...fares best in its briskly-paced (and rather promising) opening stretch...

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

01/23/2018

C+

Seagal gives us a fairly good Bruce Lee impression in a film that is more moronic than it should be.

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Oaklee D

@ODie63 Feb 24

I enjoy dumb films but this film is a dumb movie that thinks it's smart. Steven Seagal plays one of the most unconvincing street smart tough guys that's too cool for school I've ever seen and Keenan Wayans plays the token black guy that's only there to crack unfunny jokes that make you groan more than chuckle. Feels like it wants to be this big blockbuster but falls flat on its face. Would have gotten a lower score but again I'm a sucker for bad films.

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Nicholas t

@nicktalbert2025 Dec 31

Not good 😐 😕 😞 😪 😔

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thiago s

@Thiagostone Nov 16

Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom

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James P

@JayP1992 06/13/2025

I'm probably one of few that liked this one! Seagal playing the usual wise-cracking, bone-breaking law enforcer. He looked in decent shape here despite what others say (black clothes make a man look slimmer) and arguably the last decent Seagal action, crime, cop movie during the decade of Die Hard wannabes.

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William D

@Williams0604 11/27/2023

This is absolutely one of the worst films I have ever seen.

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TWMax65

@RT38199094 07/08/2023

11% on rotten tomatoes?? For real? I really don't think people understand what this movie is supposed to be. It's all about Steven Seagal and the action that we all know he can deliver for the audience. He's smooth, cool, and good at what he does. He may not be the nicest guy in real life but he was great at fight choreography back in the day! This movie isn't meant to make sense with its plot or details, don't worry about it! I liked his partner as well played by Keenan Wayans. Sit back and have fun watching Steven Seagal kick ass and be funny about it! It's kind of funny, this movie literally has the exact same ending as Another 48 Hours. Just watch that and you'll know what I mean. In the end this movie is fair!

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John Gray

Director

Steven Seagal

Lt. Jack Cole

Keenen Ivory Wayans

Det. Jim Campbell

Bob Gunton

Frank Deverell

Brian Cox

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Michelle Johnson

Jessica Cole

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Synopsis

A former government operative renowned for his stealth, Jack Cole (Steven Seagal) is now a Los Angeles police detective. When a series of horrible murders occurs in the metro area, Cole is assigned to the case, along with tough-talking fellow cop Jim Campbell (Keenen Ivory Wayans). Although the two men clash, they gradually become effective partners as they uncover a conspiracy linked to the killings, which also involves terrorism and organized crime.

Director: John Gray
Producer: Steven Seagal, Julius R. Nasso
Screenwriter: Kevin Brodbin
Production Co: Warner Bros.
Rating: R
Genre: Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): May 1, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $20.4M
Runtime: 1h 32m
Sound Mix: Surround