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Reviews
Stir of Echoes (1999)
Suspense without Gore
This movie has a lot of surprises and thriller shock without resorting to cheap tricks to get you jumping. Kevin Bacon once again shows his broad acting capabilities. I enjoyed the film and was pleasantly surprised with how it made me literally get on the edge of my seat.
The beginning was very disarming and low key. A great setup for the thriller ride. I have to admit that I felt left hanging at the end. It had a somewhat predictable recycled ending and needed more development to climax a very good film.
Even with it's modest ending I still highly recommend it to suspense movie fans. It will probably end up being a sleeper movie that will surprise and entertain the unsuspecting future viewers.
Original Sin (1997)
Good but not the best Mystery Series
The story is interesting and educated with some good character development. My biggest disappointment is weak development of the lead detective. What saved the detective investigation aspect of the film was his two assistants.
It could be they intended the film to focus on the employees of the publishing house. All of which were suspects. It's worth watching but if you are new to the Mystery Series I suggest Prime Suspect, Touching Evil and Heat of the Sun.
Prime Suspect 5: Errors of Judgement (1996)
Intense and at the Edge
Most of the Prime Suspect Series are gritty but this one is the most intense. The nothing to lose attitude of the "bad guys" added with the subtle defeatist attitude of the detective team brings this movie to almost a horror boiling point.
Of course Superintendent Jane Tennison doesn't know or have such problem. Even in this new assignment and new culture Tennison is her usual "get the bad guy at all cost" self. It's a must see but you might not want to watch it alone.
Heat of the Sun (1998)
It's a Humphrey Bogart Style American Movie
It took me a while to think of what this series reminds me of. It just hit me. Casablanca, To Have and Have Not, Key Largo, etc. Before you curse me, hear me out because I am a huge Bogart fan. I put my money where my mouth is. I bought all of his films.
Set in the 30's. The exotic and mysterious locations. The leading man is tough but fair. He is rebel but has a moral code of honor. The leading lady is all of those qualities but still a Lady.
This film has great setting, music, filming, acting and mystery writing. I find new things every time I watch it and that, to me, is a sign of a good movie. It has everything a mystery fan can ask for.
The Wicker Man (1973)
Strange but Interesting
I found the movie strange. I must admit that the mystery and search for the young girl was what held my attention. It had a very 60's hippie underscore which didn't seem to fit with the old style Scottish location. It's worth it only if you watch it to the end...Sorry, no clues.
Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)
Life's Contradictions
Outstanding movie. The contradiction of violence and love residing in one place. This was no more clear than in the classic scene where the visual images of the war was the backdrop for Louis Armstrong's beautifully touching song "What a wonderful World". Robin Williams job as a DJ enabled him to convey hope in a hopeless situation. His humor was good, as usual, but didn't let it overshadow the powerful movie.