FALLING FOR FIGARO (2020)

Directed By: Ben Lewin

Written By: Ben Lewin and Allen Palmer 

Cinematography: Nic Lawson

Editor: Peter Carrodus

Cast: Danielle Macdonald, Hugh Skinner, Joanna Lumley, Gary Lewis, Shazad Latif, Ian Hanmore, Christina Bennington, Vicki Pepperdine

 A brilliant young fund manager leaves her unfulfilling job and long-term boyfriend to chase her lifelong dream of becoming an opera singer in the Scottish Highlands.


There is nothing truly wrong with this film that it’s more of a romance than a comedy with musical flare. As it revolves around the world of amateur opera singing.

This leaves the film or at least the audience a little confused as you’re expecting it to be or at least have a few more quirky characters, and maybe a little more interactive, and confused throughout when it comes to the story.

The way it plays is pretty much cut and dry, and I admire that the film doesn’t make the female leads, original, romantic entrance, and fiancé into any kind of villain, or give him any truly negative traits. As it is, they are growing apart when it comes to interests and thoughts of the future.

The film is simple and cut and dry, but the problem is it just seems to lack a certain charm. Maybe it’s because it’s not as cliche to the audience as other romance films are not trying to convince you to like the characters presenting the characters as they are them or not.

Immediately gets into its story and plot and you already recognize where it’s going and what’s going on so you just sit and watch and see which way it will be delivered it’s cute but it doesn’t send the pulse racing. It doesn’t make you excited it just kind of gives it to you and hopes you like it. It’s like going to a diner versus a restaurant now sometimes a diner can surprise you and give you one of the best meals of your life but sometimes it’s just par for the course giving you exactly what you wanted but no effort to make it special or one of a kind. That is how this film feels.

The one thing you will remember is the lead Danielle McDonald, who has been in quite a few films up until now, and as usual, gives a great and memorable performance in the lead. 

Grade: C 

THE SACRAFICE GAME (2023)

Directed By: Jenn Wexler

Written By: Jenn Wexler and Sean Redlitz

Cinematography: Alexandre Bussiere

Editor: Mathieu Berube and Arthur Tarnowski

Cast: Mena Massoud, Chloe Levine, Olivia Scott Welch, Georgia Acken, Madison Barnes, Gus Kentworthy, Derek Johns, Laurent Pittre 

It’s bad enough that boarding school students Samantha and Clara can’t go home for the holidays, but things take a deadly turn when a murderous gang arrives on their doorstep – just in time for Christmas.


The film starts out as an interesting thriller, and then it gets a bit more harder as it goes along.

Like the main characters as an audience member, you were not quite prepared for what you get you might see certain things, but there are plenty of surprises.

What keeps the sound fun is that it keeps you guessing like a game even though after a while it becomes a little bit predictable, but still offers a few surprises.

As we watch the tables, turn on the villains that we want to see punished, who then become the victims, who are used to a certain extent, though we feel a little for them, even as they were careless before that seems to be their only bad vice. Not necessarily likable, but good for some comic..

Like most things, those who you think are the most evil or nothing compared, as there is usually someone worse.

The film keeps a wicked sense of humor as it becomes a cat-and-mouse game towards the middle. 

Not going to like you are most likely going to suspect some of the choices, but luckily it stays entertaining throughout.

The production design works as it does feel the production, or like it is taking place at that certain time, which also helps with the film’s mentality and mood.

This is a good starter, a horror film that can teach those new twists and the tricky nature of them, and a film such as as this film seems perfect for a younger female audience.

Mena Massoud who played Aladdin in the live-action, Disney movie is a villain here, which is subversive casting. As he goes from playing, you know one of the most innocent and beloved Disney characters, who is kind of a heartthrob to a cold-blooded, killer and leader of a gang looking to sacrifice for a single goal

The cast is female, driven than male who are mostly victims. 

the film is not excessive or exploited and its protagonist ends up being two teenage girls. Luckily, the film is never boring and stays entertaining being a period piece of the 1970s it adds to the texture somewhat the wonder if it’s more to explain or do away with cell phones and more tap into disillusionment and the satanic panic of the times

Georgia Acken is memorable playing Clara, one of the more mysterious underage hostages who might remind the audience of a young Elliot page as she appears to have the same strength in her performance. 

Grace: B- 

THE PASSENGER (LA PASAJERA) (2021)

Directed By: Raul Cerezo & Fernando Gonzalez Gomez 

Written By: Luis Sanchez-Polack

Story By: Raul Cerezo

Developed By: Asier Guerricaechebarria and Javier Echainiz 

Cinematography: Ignacio Aguilar 

Cast: Ramiro Blas, Cecila Suarez, Paula Gallego, Cristina Alcazar, Yao Yao, Niko Verona, Carmen Ibeas, Vasilejos Papatheocharis 

multiple passengers are in a travel transport van that hits an excursionist who was walking at a secondary road at night. After getting her into the vehicle to take her to the closest hospital, the occupants soon realize that they just have to follow a very simple rule: don’t sit next to her.


This reminds me of the little engine that could as that is how the film plays out where it feels like I think I can. I think I can. I think I can. 

It does garner some scares, and it has very impressive practical effects that are more of the showcase, especially with such a small cast 

The film tries to stay intimate and very few locations and offers up a claustrophobic atmosphere.

While dealing with very few characters, the film ends up being driven by the main two, who develop a relationship of trust in the middle of all this chaos. 

The film doesn’t offer anything you haven’t seen before, but it does offer thrills it does offer quite a few laughs and inventiveness. The characters are not action hero warriors, but more regular characters with laws and all.

It does lead to some hair-raising sequences, and thrilling moments, as well as some not over the top, but well-used gore.

There is only a lingering uncomfortability when it has an underage girl in tight clothes around what seems to be an old lecherous talkative man old man with one eye. Who keeps eyeballing the girl.

As it showcases, what could be a worldwide dilemma more in minutia and overseas. also packing a strong sucker punch of an ending after we have gotten to know the character so deeply.

Anyone looking for a nice comfortable science-fiction, tinged, horror film. Shitting joy in this humble yet ambitious flick.

Grade: C+

FATAL GAMES (1984)

Directed By: Michael Elliot 

Written By: Michael Elliott, Rafael Bunuel, and Chris Mankiewicz

Cinematography: Alfred Taylor

Editor: Jonathan Braun

Cast: Sally Kirkland, Lynn Banashek, Sean Masterson, Michael O’Leary, Teal Roberts, Marcelyn Ann Williams, Melissa Prophet, Angela Bennett, Nicholas Love, Lauretta Murphy 

A mad javelin thrower kills teenagers in the school. All promising athletes are executed most brutally. Especially naked girls in dressing rooms or saunas.


This movie is very ridiculous with a killer who only uses one weapon and it’s a javelin, which I guess goes with the theme as all of the victims want to be Olympic college athletes. It stays on theme throughout. 

There is actually a scene where they all are in favor of doping up all of the athletes with steroids and they’re being no Controversy

The film now has controversy when it comes to the third act as it shows a kind of outdated attitude that might insult some groups. Especially when it seems a bit borrowed from another classic horror film. So that The killer might be easy to guess the motive won’t be 

This film suffers from the usual problem with some horror films, where you don’t really get to know the characters enough to really care so realistically, they’re just like cows to the slaughter, though with this one you never grow close to any particular character, so they are beyond disposable because you truly don’t know who is going to be next and who is ultimately going to be or even amongst the survivors. Which usually leads to the film having creative kills to entertain the audience or what the audience demands. Here not so creative when the murder weapon is the same and goes about using it mostly in the same manner. 

Watching this film it made me wonder now that there are a lot of older horror movies that are considered classics for various reasons and have been called Classics by different critics as they help to serve up the eventual formula or cliché of the genre or certain genres like slasher no, I wonder as I watch some of these and at least for me, they come across as Bad films. When can we admit that maybe some of these so-called sacred or hidden jam movies that some people like to even talk about or actually if you really look at them for all their words or just acting some might say that’s part of its charm, but is it really I mean I guess it feels a need of entertainment and gives the audience the requirements but what if it’s not in the best fashion or even like creative as always it’s really up to the audience member, and what they thinking or how they interpreted and then once we finally get to the end, the film just literally ends and you know no follow-through. 

Even the soundtrack and theme music are more hilarious than I believe that it was trying to go with now. The film is definitely exploited as there is plenty of nudity and a little sex and what I mean is that there is a whole scene of a couple, taking a shower together, and literally only having a conversation no sexual overtures, or anything like that, and obviously the female is meant to be more the Candy, but it’s a conversation they could’ve also easily had closed or semi doing some more constructive

There is another scene where a character literally runs through the hallways, naked scary movie spoof this with Anna Farris only Ana in that movie, but the same ridiculous run, wailing, screaming, arms, waving, calling more attention to herself understandable to maybe get the attention of how but all it really does is the killer track her down a lot easier 

Some might like it for its ending that they don’t see coming in for willing to as they might say go there. Also, the sole black cast member doesn’t die first but comes a close second.

It’s a film you might find yourself laughing at actually having a fear or really any care for what you’re watching. The film at times tries to be humorous. Unfortunately, it is not campy though may feel that way unintentionally. 

This might be one of those films that Some will think it so bad that it’s good, or at least entertaining, as there seems to be an attempt to make a genuine, horror film.

Grace: D

I SAW THE TV GLOW (2024)

Written & Directed By: Jane Schoenbrun

Cinematography: Eric Yue 

Editor: Sofi Marshall 

Cast: Justice Smith, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Ian Foreman, Helena Howard, Lindsey Jordan, Danielle Deadwyler, Fred Durst, Amber Benson, Michael C. Maronna, Danny Tamberelli

Teenager Owen is just trying to make it through life in the suburbs when his classmate introduces him to a mysterious late-night TV show a vision of a supernatural world beneath their own. In the pale glow of the television, Owen’s view of reality begins to crack.


I loved this film and I can’t recommend this film highly enough. It’s a film where not only about the filmmaking but the experience. As afterward it feels like a religious experience.. 

This film Destroyed me and made me feel devastated in a good way. Had me deep in thoughts afterward still thinking about it. I don’t know if I can ever do this film Justice in writing or talking about it. As I know emotionally or even intellectually I can be right or express my feelings exactly about this masterpiece. 

I purposely tried to know very little about it so that I knew only a few details and didn’t know where it was going or what to expect? But was willing to go wherever it took Me, come what may 

This film feels aimed At any outsider or misfit who felt or feels misplaced like they didn’t belong. Who is struggling in life and most importantly in an Identity? For anyone Made to feel like every move and decision is a mistake and there is something not quite right about you. Never seem To fit in with any crowd even the ones it seems like You should. How others seem to be on a different wavelength than you. Who just doesn’t Or can’t get it. 

This film might not be for everyone, but it’s Beautiful and full of heart and tragedy. Full of emotion. 

The film is alive with so many questions, theories, and realities. Almost every shot is filled with imagination, depth, style, and creativity. Thought and passion have obviously been put into each facet, Every moment felt filled with emotions.

Another masterpiece from writer/director Jane Schoenbrun whose previous film, WE ARE ALL GOING TO THE WORLD’S FAIR. Which was just as strong and surprising.

No spoilers, it’s a film to go into blind and to experience. Any further reading after this point, there is nothing but SPOILERS.

 Almost every shot in this film is filled with imagination, depth, style, and creativity. Thought & passion have obviously been put into each facet & detail. Every moment felt filled with emotions.

The film is about so many things but what it spoke to me and I’m sure many others. It seems to be about Regretting your decisions. Then Living with the aftermath. That might be a kind of existence but also In a way the death of your dreams and any real hope of happiness. Where it feels what seems like a certain suicide might have been better than Your current existence. 

it explores how some shows or forms of entertainment can be an escape for some to Get lost in. as they provide an escape but hope of a different reality with The themes and characters. That can become not only nostalgia eventually but also help them cope with the reality that sometimes is better. Eventually, one can get confused and can get lost. As it’s own wonderland or closely resembles your own struggles only in a more fantastic and world-ending manner. 

Also how one can get stuck in an identity that seems tight, but you let the scare control you. Convincing you that could be better for you than what is expected of programmed into you. Finding your own identity. How you can be trapped in an identity. That you are never comfortable in and force yourself to stay. Even though never quite happy and slowly killing you from the inside out. 

It also is about identity sexual and physical. As it is a film that has themes and experiences that might speak to a transgender audience and individuals. As well as the lgbtq community but can easily be understood by a Universal audience who are willing to be open to it. 

A beloved, lived-in fantasy seems better than anyone in reality as it is filled with so much imagination that anything can happen the same with reality but in fantasy, it stays better and more fantastic. whereas in life there can be long stretches of punishment, sadness, and boredom that feel like torture. How you can get lost in that fantasy. As it feels more rewarding and real. As you live vicariously through characters you identify with. So their victories feel like yours. Even though there is nothing to show for it. Like sports fans in a way. 

Where one parent seems more like a scary phantom who you can’t communicate with but is always around and the other truly loves you, but you still can’t seem to connect or communicate with them fully though they wish you would and love you endlessly and they are that may keep you grounded and you stay around for their sake. How that parent you are scared of might be the one who physically holds you back and makes sure you never escape. While the loving one bows out, you feel a sense of guilt and want to take care of them before their eventual exit.  

What could have been a story of triumph that feels like a tragedy of not following your way out being boring, responsible, and paying for it. Escape seems like the craziest idea. Haunting creating their own worlds and inviting you In to explore. The film is Unique mesmerizing and sincere. While leaving the audience in instant unease and astonishment. 

How you can look back at something that seemed so important and strong almost  life changing and once you get older you look back and it seems foreign to you completely  different from how nostalgia can play tricks on you you can be embarrassed or seen like a different existence 

It will also exist in nostalgia itself.  There are quite a few cameos from people who were popular and recognizable to those who came of age in the 1990s. a haunting reminder of ghosts from a previous time. Here as a reminder for some in the audience. As well as the pop culture  display and definitely the soundtrack 

How television or pop culture can bond us to others we never would have thought to approach or ever talk to. That can be lifelong friendships where shared interest is only the beginning.

Through all of this, the film stays true to the pop culture that is influenced by a mixture. That is very detail-oriented. Using the same fonts, images, and storyline episodes of them. Even the grains of aging tapes and quality degradation. As you can tell this is personal and very powerful.

It doesn’t even feel like I have made a scratch on the surface of this film. That is how deep it is. A similar feeling for some of the people who first saw STAR WARS who were not only amazed but wanted to tell everybody about it. Not to mention knowing how much it would eventually mean to others. (not as on as grand a scale audience-wise) but waiting for others to see it to discuss and lay in wait as others discover it and claim it as a future favorite. Though you were one of the early adopters. 

Grade: A 

LISA FRANKENSTEIN (2024)

Directed by: Zelda Williams 
Written By: Diablo Cody
Cinematography: Paula Huidobro 
Editor: Brad Turner

Cast: Kathryn Newton, Cole Spouse, Liza Soberano, Joey Harris, Carla Gugino, Charlie Talbert, Henry Eikenberry, Bryce Romero, Joey Chrest 

A coming of RAGE love story about a teenager and her crush, who happens to be a corpse. After a set of horrific circumstances bring him back to life, the two embark on a journey to find love, happiness – and a few missing body parts.


The film offers an original vision. That proves itself more than just stylish it actually has depth. So that in itself it is like a teenager or the mentality and mood of one.

It’s as if Tim Burton made a teenage girl film As it fits into his style and type of character, but not as much on a grand scale. Which makes you end up liking it more than I expected to. 

The film feels definitely like an 80s film and when they mentioned later in the film that the year 1989 it fits perfectly wish it had come out at that time though this also works as a kind of nostalgic throwback. While it’s set in suburbia the film also achieves making its own world that seems separate yet so close to our own with a lot more color coding. That calls to mind screenwriter Diablo Cody’s previous film JENNIFER’S BODY 

Very camping at times over the top, but yet has an odd comfort level to it all.It’s a good film for its target audience that actually fits even at times when it can be risky 

As at times it’s Right on the precipice of macabre strangely, it works and has its own innocence. At Times it can feel like a wacky comedy, but also fits in with the Heathers crowd the PG-13, it is a little risque 

even for its more violent and even some sexual scenes, it’s a little bit more suggested and creative in the ways that it presents it that are not exploited, but actually seem more creative at times. This feels like a rather expensive student film, though that is what is part of its charm and luckily written by Diablo Cody, making a comeback 

This is Zelda Williams making her directorial debut, and it feels that way, but it gets stronger and more focused as it goes along 

It’s a love story, at heart where all the feelings seem misdirected towards what you view as your ideal and are blinded to their red flags and the people who actually care about you and love you. You take for granted or fail To see the obvious.

Katheryn Newton is winning as the lead character with all of her issues and psychosis, yet is sweet, crazy, and hilarious.

This is one twisted film in romance whose wavelength works totally fits

GRADE: B 

BLOOD RELATIVES (2022)

Written & Directed By: Noah Segan

Cinematography: Andrew Baird 

Editor: Patrick Lawrence

Cast: Noah Segan, Victoria Moroles, Akasha Villalobos, C.L. Simpson, Tracie Thomas, Doug Benson, Ammie Masterson, Jones Proudstar, Josh Ruben 

A vampire’s loner lifestyle is thrown into disarray when a teenager shows up claiming to be his daughter, and she’s got the fangs to prove it. On a road trip across America’s blacktops, they decide how to sink their teeth into family life.


This film is more comedy with horror movie or monster movie elements.

As it tries to stay in a certain reality, showing the modern-day problems with being a vampire, and just generally getting older, it also opens up the world for other supernatural mysteries, while dealing with its own central father-daughter storyline.

Dealing with the clips of what might be your own life for being the center of it and having to sacrifice for another.

As the film is built more around the character’s relationship with one another and find little adventures or distractions for them to go on to strengthen their bond and test their limits.

Nice to see Victoria Moroles in another film after she was so memorable in the comedy PLAN B 

Here she is in another comedy, and while not as distinct, she definitely is memorable as she is pretty much like that film star here, With a different look.

This is star, Noah Segen’s feature film, directorial debut and it’s not bad. It’s a cute little film that places character over story, plot, action, or visuals and by the end, it feels like a good time though not necessarily special it does have its own voice.

It’s a film with steaks where not too much happens and feels kind of laid-back. It’s cute to spend some time with though it will certainly not rock your world.

Grade: C+

BRAIN DAMAGE (1988)

Written & Directed By: Frank Henlotter

Cinematography: Bruce Torbet 

Editor: Frank Henlotter And James Y. Kwai 

Cast: Rick Herbst, Gordon Macdonald, Jennifer Lowry, Theo Barnes, Lucille Saint-Peter, Vicki Darnell, Joe Gonzalez, Beverly Bonner

One morning, a young man wakes to find that a small, disgusting creature has attached itself to the base of his brain stem. The creature gives him a euphoric state of happiness but demands human victims in return.


This film has gained a reputation over the years as a cult film. It’s easy to see why.  This film is kind of an analogy of the writer and director, Frank Henlotter’s past drug addiction and trying to get clean. 

This is why even though at times, it might go over the top or feel ridiculous. It still feels personal and like it is trying to say something and or mean something.

The film stays campy with practical effects throughout. it also brings you back to a time when horror films were originally about something other than scares and the amount of violence, or necessarily being exploited there didn’t seem to be a set formula as much.

Of course, the film is a bit distasteful at times and dark-humored. Which leads to it being shocking, yet effective. 

The film does offer the highs of the addiction, and how magical and mystical he can feel, but also the downward spiral. Where, despite the amazing highs, they are ultimately bad for you, especially physically, and mentally. Even for those around you.

The film does crossover, or takes place in the same world as Frank Henlotter other films, with even a character from his debut film Brain Damage, making a cameo 

The film’s underground status makes the dangerous fascinating. As the film goes places most mainstream horror, films, or most films rarely do.

The film is not a combination, necessarily of drugs or a movie built on moral hierarchy yet it does show the damage and degradation that an addiction can have on a person.

Though dated the film definitely feels like a breath of fresh air. Especially watching it in modern times. This is definitely a film. I wish I had discovered sooner. Don’t make the same mistake. I did by waiting too long to finally watch it.

Grade: B+

THE MOD SQUAD (1999)

Directed By: Scott Silver
Written By: Scott Silver, Stephen Kay and Kate Lanier
Based on characters created By: Buddy Ruskin
Cinematography: Ellen Kuras
Editor: Dorian Harris 

Cast: Giovanni Ribisi, Omar Epps, Claire Danes, Josh Brolin, Steve Harris, Richard Jenkins, Dennis Farina, Michael Lerner, Sam McMurray, Bodhi Elfman, Eddie Griffin, Holmes Osbourne, Toby Huss, Monet Mazur, Larry Brandenburg

Three troubled teens sent to jail are offered a deal to work with an undercover cop, uncover an intricate drug ring, and are caught in a deadly set-up. With cops on their trail, they have little time to solve the case and clear their names.


The nicest thing I can say about the movie is that they cast actors rather than stars. Even though they were trying to set up these up-and-coming to-be stars. Which actually gives the film, a little more authenticity, and credit than it probably deserves.

One of the problems with links character played by Omar Epps is that he’s just supposed to be the cool guy yet we rarely see him do anything that’s cool but as soon as he shows up his vibe, is that of the cool guy so you’re making the audience trust in assumption before actually exhibiting any of that type of behavior or action Which never really comes so it feels like a buildup only to be let down. Some might say is the same when it comes to this film though was there really any big demand for this film?

As it came out, remakes and reboots of old television series were kind of still successful, and a fad. Maybe the problem was it needed to tell the original story, but it also comes off as just another episode that could’ve been of the series.

As the villain seems to be a kingpin, but is a local kingpin, which realistically if you are kind of a side project, an undercover team makes sense, but it has all the excitement of taking down a local drug dealer now that really cinematic for an action film not real, even with all the intrigue that this film involves. 

I mean the film at least has all the villains as Caucasian, but then again, most of the characters are caucasian, with a sprinkling of minorities mostly African-Americans. So it makes clear who the audience source is for Home Truly is.

Now, here is where I get more into the problems of the film, which are overpowering. Any good takes the film might have. 

The film is kind of set up to fail as the most memorable character is taken away as Link was a cool and dangerous black guy from the show with an Afro here has Omar Epps with a regular haircut not particularly physically, scary, or too big. So that he resembles just a black guy without the Afro it feels like they are kind of castrated or circumcised. He has no iconic look, you know they could’ve at least made them bald (like hawk on SPENCER FOR HIRE) for here. He just comes off as normal and uninteresting.

Giovanni Ribisi is a good actor and his character is supposed to be a screwup, his overarching arc is supposed to finally by the end of the movie make good and become a kind of the facto leader. His loser status is so great that his parents don’t believe him have any faith in him or even really take him seriously. Plus at times he seems a little touched and this is supposed to be our hero of sorts and an ensemble. The closest thing we get to a leader or protagonist.

Claire Danes’ character Julie is an addict which makes her the most vulnerable and fragile of the team. Yet she was still hired to be undercover and strong enough for this job. Then her ex-boyfriend happens to be the villain. So she really has the most to lose here though is kind of treated as a damsel in distress rather than an Ingal part of the team I guess she is supposed to be the bait. Her character was kind of a sexpot here. She just seems to be kind of a basic normal girl who’s in the scene? Maybe it’s better as she doesn’t draw too much attention to herself. This would unfortunately be one of the last times she appeared in a studio film that was more after blockbuster viewers than anything else. 

Decided to revitalize the show as was common at times people recognize the name of the show, but at the time, not too many might’ve had memories of it as prime entertainment. On the plus side, you could write it without really copying it down too much but also there isn’t that huge of an audience either. Then the film stars are not unknown but no real stars they’re a more recognizable cast, which at least keeps the cost of the budget down but how is it going to make any money because it’s not like the film has two dramatic storylines it’s not that funny intentionally, and there are no real action sequences and the stakes aren’t big enough for you to really care or even be suspenseful. 

The film is supposed to be an ensemble, but the characters are separate through most, as each seems seduced or on their own separate adventure then they finally come together at the end. It feels like we should see them as a team, at least at first see how they work together, or at least the film could’ve shown how they learn to work together. Instead of just seeming like they separate stories, come together or cross paths at the end. The film is an origin story that should come off more as a film like THE DIRTY DOZEN as they are all ex-cons given a chance on a suicide mission who are forced together of sorts, to learn to make it as a team. They come off as a bunch of at the time hip club kids trying to solve a mystery that involves a conspiracy. If it was played that way with a bit more comedy and impressive action. The film could have worked 

Whereas you know, the enjoyment of this film is subjective as some might like, or enjoy, like a date or romance with a beauty that ends up, not working out in the end, or eventually, but good enough for the time being. Where it’s not right for some but good enough for others it all comes down to the right place at the right time, maybe something chemical or even the vibe. Unfortunately, this film just doesn’t seem to have exactly what it takes.

Grade: C- 

HIT LIST (1989)

Directed By: William Lustig 

Story By: Audrey K. Rattan

Written By: John Goff and Peter Brosnan

Josh Becker & Scott Spiegel (Uncredited)

Editor: David Kern 

Cast: Jan-Michael Vincent, Leo Rossi, Charles Napier, Harold Sylvester, Jere Burns, Rip Torn, Lance Henriksen, Ken Lerner, Frank Pesce 

A family man and a mob witness hunt for a hitman who has mistakenly kidnapped the family man’s son.


This actually makes a very engaging thriller, though it’s a character actor Paradise, and while everybody is doing their best, the main weakness is the person, casting the lead Jan Michael Vincent, who doesn’t seem to put his all into it, though probably with his name and star Power is why the film got made or financed in the first place. 

Though the film has enough heavy hitters in the cast. Not to mention supposedly Mr. Vincent was behind several problems with the production. This might be why such heavy emphasis is more on supporting cast members.

The film has plenty of action and plays like an action thriller that you would see on the big screen you know it has not so healthy budget though I think if someone else had played the lead, it would be better remembered I’m not gonna say it would be a classic, but definitely better remembered 

Especially as one of the twists of the film is based on what one would think is a ridiculous mistake, but moves the film forward 

The other flaw of the film is that really out of Jan Michael Vincent’s Circle. the only good guy or good character who is killed is really his best friend in the African-American character. You know there are several cops in the beginning who are protecting witnesses who get killed but we rarely or barely get to know them whereas the character played by Harold Sylvester you know we get to know and care about and then he is dispatched

The rip TORN seems to have fun, showing a scenery and going over the top of his role as a mob boss, Leo Rossi adds real heart and is a memorable character to the film, as a kind of wise guy who most of the characters are after in the first place 

Same with Charles Napier he just seems to go with the flow and really seems to be enjoying himself throughout as more of the federal agent on the case

it’s cool to see Lance Henriksen as this maniacal unstoppable killer who has a day job as a cover and then towards the end seems that no matter how hard you try to kill him. He’s like a horror movie villain he just won’t die. It’s interesting and ridiculous he is though he’s the most interesting character in the movie as he is a killer character, who deserves a better film script than this

Especially his character is so devious and calculated, but it makes this one mistake that changes. Everything seems a little bit ridiculous 

this film is more on the side of a guilty pleasure as you can’t really take anything seriously but it is a fun film to watch. I believe you will have a good time with. Especially directed by director William Lustig, even though this is one of the few director-for-hire jobs that he took. 

Grade: C