Beyond the Call

"Beyond The Call" is a good example of how strong, committed actors can get mileage out of a script that is both hackneyed and occasionally unbelievable.

Sissy Spacek and the terrific David Strathairn are both in top form as a psychologically damaged Vietnam veteran on death row for the killing of a policeman, and the woman who tries to get him to plea for clemency and finds out that there's more to the "killing" than meets the eye.

Arliss Howard is also fine as her increasingly jealous husband, a Vietnam vet himself who has put much emotional energy keeping his war-related emotions under control, and feels nothing but contempt for a fellow vet who becomes a convicted criminal because he can't do the same. Yet this husband isn't quite the same by the time the film is over.

Despite these performances, the script is generally predictable and many of the scenes between Spacek and Strathairn would be mawkish in lesser hands. But these two are so attuned to each other as performers that you are moved nonetheless. The once big false note is a scene between Strathairn and Howard that may be necessary to bring about the desired changes in Howard's character, but it's completely unbelievable.

Sissy Spacek and the others put on fine performances in this cheap production from a maudlin and unbelievable script. The husband of a cop-killer's sweetheart is able to visit the convict on death row the night before the execution? Give me a break! Sissy doesn't buy her ex-boyfriend's guilt, but does nothing to try to right such a terrible situation? Please. The real problem, though is that this made-for-tv formula flick is another example of Hollywood's trampling of the image of Vietnam veterans. The "damaged-vet-ticking-time-bomb" stereotype is not only an easy cliché, it's also a gross overstatement of the facts. No denying some veterans of Vietnam -- as of all wars -- suffered psychological effects, but when has Hollywood portrayed the 'Nam veteran as anything but a broken, emotionally troubled pariah? Movies like "Beyond the Call" contribute to the general public perception that Vietnam veterans are on the whole dysfunctional -- suicidal, alcoholic, barely able to hang on to their sanity. It's not enough that the cop-killer is a damaged Viet vet but -- surprise, surprise -- Sissy's own husband (the only character who doubts the boyfriends "Vietnam-made-him-do-it" excuse) carries his own war demons. The movie closes with Hubby curled up on the floor, crying his eyes out, comforted by Sissy the Strong. Another ticking time bomb has exploded. I guess all of us Vietnam veterans will eventually have nervous breakdowns or take refuge in a bottle. Me, I think I'll have a drink.

This is truly a gem of a movie and should be seen by all who love a great story and superb acting. At first glance you may be turned off by the idea of a man on death row for killing a cop. You may not understand how Sissy Spaceks character can have any compassion towards her ex boyfriend after what has happened. When i first viewed this movie i had a friend who had walked in late on this movie & initially couldn't understand why someone had told him this was worth seeing. Well towards the end of the movie in the seen with the last phone call. My friend actually got so choked up he couldn't help but to let out a slight whimper and say ouch. Can't say i was doing any better... glad it was dark. So all in all it's a truly heartfelt movie and a must see for anyone who is not afraid to shed a tear. Guys i recommend not watching this with a buddy because it will get you. If it doesn't choke you up, check your pulse... you might be dead!!

I don't believe in the death penalty so one would think I would find this story poignant and heart wrenching. But quite the opposite. I was infuriated by the complete lack of empathy and compassion for the 2 people he murdered. They were an after thought. Sissy S. Repeatedly claims that the murder was merely a misunderstanding. The story is mediocre and the acting is ok. But how they treated the murder victim over shadowed anything good in the film. The murderer is completely unsympathetic, as he should be. This movie failed to stir up any sympathy for the Vietnam vet/murder and by the end I had almost changed my position on the death penalty.

Actor and director Tony Bill has directed this story which tell another tragic Vietnam veteran story. Today a bit contrived, maybe, but in 1996 quite actual. It still is. War time veterans with psychological problems are coming out of any war.

Middle aged Pam learns that her childhood sweetheart, Russel, a man which couldn't hurt a fly, is imprisoned and waiting on death row after killing a policeman. She can't understand why, and goes to visit him, and sons learn that he didn't do what he is accused for. She engages in the case, and this soon affects her life and her marriage. Her husband is a Vietnam vet himself, and not at all with ease with it.

Sissy Spacek plays Pam, and David Strathairn plays their roles with great poise, and adds to the films greatness. Arliss Howard starts off like an unimportant guy in the beginning, but soon he is doing just as great as the others. The film hits on several levels, and is almost like a stage play. It could have been great on stage with a couple if good actors. And it's turned out to be a good film as well. Dark and bleak, yet filmed with bright colors as well, like a fresh nineties film, it balances between a film noir and prison movie. The film uses flashbacks when it comes to her child hood memories, to underline that Russ was a nice guy back then.

It's strong on emotions, and gets you really in the end. A drama you won't forget.

Watch this seven times before you go watch the highly overrated "Dead man walking".