If Looks Could Kill

I am rating this to up the rating. And reviewing it, just to add my piece of mind.

First off, the french teacher. Hilarious. Best part of the whole movie. "I want all references to the operative, the french teacher." Next, the dialog. It's funny. Most of the time, it's great. At least I find it funny most of the time.

The lead actor did a pretty good job. He's as flat as a pancake. But I think he's supposed to be a superficial high school student. They could have made him a bit more bright. He does save the day in the end. And it would be slightly more believable if he came across as a bit brighter from the start. But, you know, it's a comedy. You can't be too critical.

I realize this is sort of a demographic movie. I am sure it's aimed at teens as a fantasy. At 45 though, I still appreciate a mindless fantasy/comedy/adventure. And this is a pretty good one. I think it deserves a better rating - I rate movies with based on similar movies. I don't compare this to Das Boot, for example. I compare it to say, Hackers or something like that.

This movie is for the fans of light hearted adventures mixed through out with comedy (sometimes so stupid it's hilarious!!) When Michael Corbin's lethargy in his high school French class keeps him from graduating; his adventure begins. Even though he (Richard Grieco) is considerably older than the part he is portraying; he does pull it off. I particularly enjoyed the hotel bedroom scene: SEXY and HILARIOUS!! His (Michael Corbin) "goof-off teenager" attitude solidifies the part for Grieco through out the entire movie. All of the supporting actors: the French Teacher, Helen Hunt and his friend on the tour bus that uses his shaving water to rinse his toothbrush (which I was expecting to see him even pick his nose next which thank God he dosen't!!!) keeps the minor scenes in check with the genre of the movie. Keep in mind that this movie is a "comedy"...nothing more, nothing less. It was not made to be picked apart...just watched. I have seen this movie about 6 times and have even added it to my collection. Granted, there are many more movies that are more realistic and have better acting, but what the hell...I still enjoy watching it!!! Only because it dosen't qualify as a "Classic", but because it is a VERY funny and entertaining movie for all ages, it gets an 8 out of 10.

Almost animated in its style is this 'James Bond' type flick from writers Fred Dekker and Darren Star about mistaken identity. "If Looks Could Kill" is comically entertaining for the most part, if very silly and extremely predictable.

William Dear has toned the violence right down and used cartoon characters acting out a cartoon script. Richard Grieco and the support cast (including Roger Rees, Robin Bartlett and Gabrielle Anwar) have fun and so do we, as long as we don't expect any serious cinema! Linda Hunt steals the show as the wicked lady with a whip for a necklace. "If Looks Could Kill" is good entertainment for youthful audiences.

Tuesday, September 3, 1991 - Knox District Centre

If you're looking for a comedy that teases at every spy movie you've ever seen, then this is it. I saw the movie years ago as a teenager and loved it. While its not the most serious movie in the world, its excellent for a good time and a good laugh. That was what the movie was designed for and I believe it pulls it off well. I watched it with my loved one recently (his first time seeing it) and we laughed all the way through it. Take it with a grain of salt (after all it IS a comedy) and go in expecting nothing in particular. If you do, you'll see all of the serious spy movie scenes done with a twist of humor that will make you laugh and shout "Of course!" when something explodes for no real reason. I love the "teen spy guy" way that this movie was conducted. And I feel it wasn't rated as well as it should have been. This is a fun movie if you're in the mood for something silly. The car chase at the beginning is really neat. Love the cars. And I have to say that the scene with the female assassin at the hotel was one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Its just too ridiculously classic. You will not regret it.

"If Looks Could Kill" deserved to do better at the boxoffice. This is another instance of a studio throwing away a perfectly good film by giving it ZERO promotion. This spy spoof, while not a masterpiece, is fast-paced, light and consistently amusing. Perfect non-think entertainment. Richard Grieco is hip and quite likable in his role as Michael Corben, who is prevented from graduating from high school due to a flunking grade in french class. He wrangles his way onto a trip to France with another class and, through hilariously convoluted circumstances, gets mixed up in an espionage plot and mistaken for a master spy. He soon finds himself somewhat enjoying the masquerade but as the plot thickens, has to rely on his wits and ingenuity to keep himself alive and catch the bad guys.

The gags and one-liners spoofing James Bond and other spies come fast and furious, thanks to a clever script by Fred Dekker and Darren Star and fleet-footed direction by William Dear.

Had this movie been released in the Summer instead of the dead of Winter, it probably would have done better. Do yourself a favor and catch it on video now. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised.