A Killer Within

I rented this movie not knowing what to expect. I'm a fan of Ben's from Farscape, so I was intrigued to see him in something else. As I expected, Ben did not disappoint. He brought some actual three dimensional life into a collection of banal characters.

The plot is nothing unusual, the type of film I'd expect to see in a movie-of-the-week format. There are intriguing elements, especially toward the end as the killer of the title comes closer to being exposed. I wasn't surprised by anything, but I liked Sam and Sara, so I was interested in the character development.

C. Thomas Howell was unimpressive and I'd much rather have had someone more dynamic in the lead role. I'd say Ben, but my bias would show a little too much there. Sean Young-while she drives me nuts-was perfectly cast. I'm not sure I've ever seen Giancarlo Esposito in anything, but I really liked him in this film.

This was independently produced and while there are things about it I wasn't impressed with, all things considered it was a very polished film.

The movie was decent. Kind of shallow in some of the acting and I question how the brother(?) was able to act as an attorney when he didn't seem like an acting attorney but as a paralegal instead. My biggest question, however, is about the item on the fireplace mantel. What is that object in between the candles? Is that male genitalia? Who puts that on their fireplace? Was that intended or was it a reference to something? Was this made for TV? It cracks me up a little bit.

Aside from that strange, burning question that others must have missed, I also question why an attorney would offer up so much information to the police as he did. He should have known that bringing up wanting children would have made the cops ask more questions.

I usually do not sit down and watch thrillers because I can figure out the who done it of the whodunit. I did lean toward a certain suspect and turned out I was right, but the ride to see if I was correct was rather enjoyable. There was a good plot with a lot of good twists and turns which would leave a person guessing right up to the end. Best roller coaster ride I have had in, well, forever. It was very intelligently done. Kudos to the writers.

The cast was put together well and seemed to work together well. I admittedly am a fan of Ben Browder and have to say he did not disappoint in this movie. I hope to see this group work together again in the future. It seemed as though they really enjoyed what they were doing and to me that makes a difference in watching average and watching above average.

I have to say I enjoyed this little independent movie more than most big box office hits and top TV shows I have seen.

Thanks guys for the good ride.

Some people who are voting must work for the studio because this film is not as exemplary as everyone is giving it credit for. People who have previously commented have heralded this as the next great mystery, a "thriller," and a complex script with an inspired cast. This film is none of that, it is mindless droll, it is the type of movie you view on the Lifetime Network, and it is not worth anybody's time. I understand some of you out there are desperate to see the resurrection of C. Thomas Howell's career (for the brief period he had one), but that is never going to happen. I'm sorry. I apologize and you have my deepest sympathies, because the only way Mr. Howell can get back in sight of an audience is if he stars on some SciFi Network original program. Then he can go to conventions and your delusions of him being talented and famous will come true, because you will see him signing autographs for an overweight 42 year old men wearing elf ears standing next to their mothers. This script is so horrible my friend and I picked out plot holes from the plot summary! The flashback sequences are cliché, taking absolutely no unique route for presenting them, and don't get me started on the photography! I mean come on, they shot it like it was going straight to TV! There is one plus side though...Sean Young somehow manages to still look good at her age. Aside from that, the film is horrendous. To those who have already seen this film, I apologize. To those who haven't, you will never forgive yourself for wasting your time and money. I saw it for free and was still upset! Please spare yourself, and your children if you can.

A tight plot and solid performances set this film above the standard fare. As a lover of mystery I've become extremely adept at finding the killer quickly. Well not the case here. I was guessing right up until the end. Enough red herrings to stock a fish market, and I loved every minute of it. Taking Lives tries to bring the mystery that A Killer Within delivers. So if you want a good mystery check it out.