Third Degree Burn

If you're a fan of the erotic thriller, this one works and works well. Yes, you've seen it before. Yes, there are no surprises. Yes, Virginia Madsen is hot hot hot-- not nearly as psycho as THE HOT SPOT but is dead on contender for the Kim Novak / VERTIGO prize as the cool ice queen with the ability to melt the screen. What a great noir style film, even though it's predictable and clichéd by today's standards. Hell, this was old back when it was made in 1989! Treat Williams plays a private detective set up to take the fall for the murder of Virginia Madsen's wealthy husband. This isn't rocket science, but it is a fun ride. Except-- until you get to the end. No real spoilers here, but the ending plays out in broad daylight, no thrills, no surprises, no tension. Sorry to see that. It almost feels rushed and faked, as if the original ending was too oblique and the producers whipped up this dumb ass replacement at the last minute. It ruined an otherwise decent little thriller.

I believe "neo-noir" is what they call it when it's a modern-day film and in color but has the feel of a film noir. That's what this is, and it was pretty representation of that genre. The main thing is the story holds your interest, although the ending of this film cannot live up to its buildup.

Virginia Madsen plays a Marilyn Monroe-lookalike. Seeing her as blonde was odd, but I can't complain looking at her figure and her smile, which I've always thought was one of Hollywood's best. Meanwhile, Treat Williams is effective as the private eye. He looks the part. The music in here, featuring jazz trumpet, is great film noir stuff. I liked this movie.

Thank You HBO. Pay per view has never been better on a cold rainy night! Now that Treat Williams has a successful hit series and Virginia Madsen has become a virile man's dream, it is now time for David Paul Cutler to get his just rewards. His reaction to Ms Madsen moving around inside her spaghetti string sun dress was as erotic as Virginia herself. The rental counter hid the better part of his performance and assured an R rating, thank goodness! HBO can keep "Tales From The Crypt" but keep Cutler up and coming. Waiting for his next unique character will be a deserved trial but well worth the time. After seeing what she did to David Paul Cutler, I will always prefer Virginia as a Blonde! I may have located Cutler in Park City, Utah. Now the work begins. I'll keep you posted. Anybody know a good snowboard instructor? "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!"

The singular fate of a detective victim of a trap stirred up by a grasping woman. It is necessary to wait almost for the end of the film so that the intrigue is finally put. In the meantime, one misses, in spite of the presence of Treat Williams and Virginia Madsen ("Hot to Trot").

What a surprise! I had no idea I was included with such notables as Virginia Madsen and Treat Williams. "Third Degree Burn" was a great project and I feel privileged and honored to have been included among two such fine actors. My goal on "Third Degree Burn" was to do the best with what I was provided. It was obvious Virginia Madsen was going places fast and Treat Williams was destined for stardom as well. My New Goal is to be cast on "Smallville" as Senator Martha Kent's new love interest and Clark's future Step Father. A Positive Attitude and Great Sense of Humor can carry an actor a long way! Thank You IMDb. You are the Biggest and Best Movie Database on the Planet Earth! Thank You Everyone for your kind and flattering comments. Sincerely, Kal-El's Future Dad, D.Justin Cole formerly known as David Paul Cutler