There's no escaping the fact that we live in an age where the media can change the lives of individuals forever. Just take a look at the Popstars phenomenon.

15 Minutes looks at the darker side of fame as two killers from the Czech Republic come to America intent on making their mark in grisly fashion.

As one murders his victims, his partner calmly films the dirty deed, at one point even stopping the killing to discuss the best way of shooting the death. Not that this is new to the film world - remember Peeping Tom?

Andy Warhol - it's all his fault

The pair believe they can sell the footage to news companies, write a top selling book about their crimes and then escape severe punishment by claiming insanity.

This is what America has come to and the killers aren't far wrong. Television companies are certainly queuing up for the gore fest, especially TV presenter Kelsey Grammer who knows blood and death will make him more famous.

Homicide Detective Eddie Flemming (De Niro) is called upon to solve the crime. He's already a celebrity himself, used to cameras following him around on his investigations.

So the scene is set. People will do anything for their fifteen minutes of fame.

There's certainly enough action in this movie, not to mention blood. If anything, the message that we must beware of the power of the media and what people will do to be famous, is overplayed.

But in terms of fulfilling its brief of an action thriller it succeeds. It's to be hoped it doesn't give too many people - criminals and broadcasters alike - too many wrong ideas.