If you like the song "Lollipop" by the Chordettes, you are advised to miss the first few minutes of this movie, or you may never think of the song the same way again. In an eerie but effective scene that suggests an old B-movie, a little boy, who turns out to be one of the movie's characters, is watching something horrible happen to another little boy at the doctor's office, as the song is playing on the radio. According to the DJ, it's the latest hit.
Dr. Theresa McCann is not having a good day. On the way into work she breaks the heel on one of her shoes, and that's just the beginning. But this film needs a little humor. As Dr. McCann makes the rounds with her residents, Dr. Hendricks just has to make them uncomfortable, believing that is the only way to make them truly dedicated to their work.
Meanwhile, Dr. Stein is showing an experimental treatment which he is testing on some sort of ape, with less than ideal results.
Given Dr. Stein's reputation, Dr. McCann took over the treatment of one of his patients, doing something unauthorized that may have resulted in the patient's death. She gets suspended, but with the help of Dr. Hendricks, she may be able to clear her name. Perhaps it is Dr. Mazar, who was supposedly locked away in an institution, who is causing the problems for Dr. Stein. He once believed it was more important to find effective treatments by testing on humans about to die anyway rather than animals; he believed the Nazis had the right idea. Could that also be what's happening here?
This was mostly an ordinary thriller. Certainly not for kids--especially that terrifying first scene. There is some violence, and that ape scene isn't too pleasant. But there were a couple of performances worth noting. Sean Haberle has some good moments as the demented Dr. Mazar, though he's not consistent. And then there is Mother Love as a patient named Milly Putnam. Now she's really worth seeing.
The movie could be worth seeing, too. If this is really the sort of thing you like.
