This is a visually stunning movie. The look of 1940s Los Angeles is beautifully captured. Also stunning is a very young Julianne Moore in an early role.
The writing is a notch or two better than is common in this genre. The superb supporting cast has some wonderful Noir-ish "Snappy retorts".
The only flaw in this movie are the incredibly BAD BAD BAD not so special effect. They detract from any otherwise enjoyable movie. Yes, there are viable wires the hellish critters dangle off of. Yes, the "gremlins" are stolen directly from the movie of the same name. (And add absolutely NOTHING to the overall movie). The quality and complexity of the special effects were cutting edge in 1955. Unfortunately this movie was filmed in 1991.
The last ten minutes of the movie are very disappointing. The film speeds along for what you assume is a magnificent resolution. When the end finally comes, it is more with an anticlimactic whimper before it fizzles out.
Over all movie rates an 8. Special Effects rate a TWO.
The writing is a notch or two better than is common in this genre. The superb supporting cast has some wonderful Noir-ish "Snappy retorts".
The only flaw in this movie are the incredibly BAD BAD BAD not so special effect. They detract from any otherwise enjoyable movie. Yes, there are viable wires the hellish critters dangle off of. Yes, the "gremlins" are stolen directly from the movie of the same name. (And add absolutely NOTHING to the overall movie). The quality and complexity of the special effects were cutting edge in 1955. Unfortunately this movie was filmed in 1991.
The last ten minutes of the movie are very disappointing. The film speeds along for what you assume is a magnificent resolution. When the end finally comes, it is more with an anticlimactic whimper before it fizzles out.
Over all movie rates an 8. Special Effects rate a TWO.