Fate

I was unfortunate enough to work on a film with same the guys that made Fate. The guy that wrote it, (Ash Smith) also wrote/directed Paranoid, one of the other terrible movies from this production company. I read the script and tried to give him some constructive criticism which he would have no part of. I worked for free as a P.A. and they made me feel like they were doing me a favor. It was good experience but what I really learned was how not to make a movie. If you have a chance, rent or buy "Paranoid", made by the same production company, and instead if watching it, beat yourself over the head with it. It will be less painful. Also, I can almost guarantee that any positive comments made about this film or "Paranoid" came from the people that made it.

Armed with no particular viewing agenda when I arrived at the video store the other night, I decided to rent this handsome thriller of a film. The result was one of those happy accidents where you inadvertently discover a film that turns out to be quite enjoyable, and you think, "Man, I'm glad I got to see this." It's certainly worth the watch.

The story was compelling and I really did not expect the surprise ending. I've seen plenty of bad b-movies whose plots (if you want to call them that) are flat and boring, where you know exactly how things are going to turn out in the first five minutes. "Fate" kept me interested until the end with its compelling premise and storytelling.

The film also looked great...in a league similar to some of the Hollywood studios' more moderate budget action fare. And, the make up effects were cool, too.

The acting also held up as well. I pretty much expected Phillip Michael Thomas to be washed up, but he surprised me with his subtle and smoldering performance. And while he wasn't part of the main name cast, there was something about director Ace Cruz's performance that made his detective colleague character enjoyable to watch.

What else can I say? I think it's worth checking out, and I look forward to more from Ace Cruz and the gang.

I rented this from Blockbuster last week, out of curiosity... Especially since I had not seen Lee Majors in anything for such a long time.

I have to say, this was a solid film. It had a completely original take on the serial killer genre... making it more personal then anything I've seen. Michael Pare' plays a former FED who has now taken a job as a Police Detective. He is joined by Philip Michael Thomas (where has this guy been) who plays his new partner. They have a history as they were both Federal Agents. While Pare' does a solid job, it's Thomas' weird (almost creepy) performance that gives their partnership spice. Add this to Lee Majors spectacularly creepy and messed up performance, and you have a whole lot of things to keep your interest.

While the film is far from perfect... some sound issues and a cliché or two... it is a fresh enough take on the serial killer genre to make it worth a rental. I think the director Ace Cruz has something to be proud of, and it would be nice to see what the guy could do with a real budget. I watch a ton of films every week (and pay a lot in rental fees), and many of the filmmakers / directors of the films I see are just going through the motions to get the film done... where Ace seems to have an actual vision.

Check it out!

Basically my girlfriend rented this movie for the hell of it, within 10 minutes I couldn't help but to turn it off. Possibly the worst dialogue and acting I have ever seen (and I only saw 10 minutes of the film). I feel sorry for the poor schmucks who watched the whole thing. Its painfully obvious that the director had no clue how police do anything, and this is when I put in the 2nd movie she rented.

Basically my girlfriend rented this movie for the hell of it, within 10 minutes I couldn't help but to turn it off. Possibly the worst dialogue and acting I have ever seen (and I only saw 10 minutes of the film). I feel sorry for the poor schmucks who watched the whole thing. Its painfully obvious that the director had no clue how police do anything, and this is when I put in the 2nd movie she rented.

Basically my girlfriend rented this movie for the hell of it, within 10 minutes I couldn't help but to turn it off. Possibly the worst dialogue and acting I have ever seen (and I only saw 10 minutes of the film). I feel sorry for the poor schmucks who watched the whole thing. Its painfully obvious that the director had no clue how police do anything, and this is when I put in the 2nd movie she rented.

Actors Pare and Phillips portrayed police detectives with an authentic feel.

There were no cop movie clichés to tire you out like so many of the police films you see. I picture this is how an actual police department and it's homicide investigations are conducted...with professionalism and seriousness. I enjoyed this consistent feel the director kept throughout the film. The casting was very good and effective at keeping this feel of realism. I hope to see Pare and Phillips together in another film!

Lee Majors is a popular actor and it was fun seeing him in the rare antagonist role. I would like to see Majors in more films. As well as Pare and Phillips. At one time or another I have wondered what happened to each of these larger than life actors?