Thrill of the Kill

Kelly Holden (Shiri Appleby) is still haunted by her sister Alison's murder a year ago. She reads Graydon Jennings (Chris Potter)'s latest murder mystery and is shock to see so many similarities with her sister's murder. When she talks to Graydon, he reveals that the murder is based on another murder. They go off together to investigate Alison's murder. Kelly discovers Alison's diary with the name Cicero. The code name alluding to the Roman senator leading them to the modern day Senator Darren Hartford (Matt Cooke). Also there is Alison's former boyfriend Hank (Paul Hopkins) who could be a suspect.

This is a Lifetime TV movie in every ways especially the production value. Shiri Appleby does really well as the damsel in distress. However there is just a few nagging plot points that is never addressed. When Graydon mentions the other girl, there is an obvious serial killer angle that is missed. Also Graydon as a suspect is dismissed almost immediately. These need to be explained much better. The plot has some possibilities as a standard murder mystery, but it's not quite good enough to recommend.

If you like mystery/thrillers, this is a good one & keeps you guessing almost to the end. The acting was very good by all and each had a clear identity that gave one pause to wonder, "was it him?" Very enjoyable and held my interest from beginning to end and a good job of a movie made for television by all. Definitely entertaining which is WHY some of us STILL DO watch such movies that give us a thrill and chill at the same time.

Warning to those with epilepsy: don't watch the first five minutes.

Crime author Graydon Jennings narrates the first scenes of this movie, which take place in a dance club with strobe lighting. I say crime author because his books are like "Columbo" movies. You know who did it, but the idea is to watch the investigation.

A year after the murder of her sister Alison, bartender Kelly of Manchester, Vermont, sees Jennings being interviewed and buys one of his books. Amazed by the similarities to her sister's case, Kelly goes to a book signing in Burlington and persuades Jennings to investigate the murder. He agrees.

Weird things start happening. Hank, a frequent customer at Clyde's Bar where Kelly works, liked Alison a lot and continues stalker-like behavior. The prime suspect in Alison's murder, though, seems to be Senator Hartford, one of many men she spent time with. At least he is believed to be "Cicero" from Alison's diary.

Kelly confronts Hartford, but there's no real evidence, and Hartford wants Kelly silenced.

Despite this being a TV-movie, certain words to describe Alison's promiscuous behavior are used. In flashbacks, we see Alison behaving badly. But the most sexy scene is the one where Kelly's friend Linda stays over (because Kelly is afraid) and takes a shower after running.

During the second half, there are some scary moments, but this is an ordinary thriller at best.

There's nothing that special here. Matt Cooke is pretty good as the senator. Chris Potter's narration at the beginning raises expectations, and he has some good moments later, but this is nothing more than a Lifetime-type movie, and not one of the better ones. But it is entertaining enough, and not too violent.

Thrill of the Kill began ok, and most of the movie was adequate. It seemed puzzling that it looked like her and him practically moved in together. It went downhill when the senator spilled his guts to the girl. Why would he do that? Do what senators always do....lie! It was nice and convenient he was even there too. But biggest shark jump came with about 10 minutes to go. That was when the real murderer made his confession, pointlessly. The gun shot heard from the kitchen was a really stupid scene. Then, run to the barn, climb the ladder. Good idea since there's no way out then. Or is there??? This is not my spoiler but my cliffhanger!!!

as made for TV movies go,this one is not bad.not great,but not bad.to be honest,i don't mind most TV movies.true,they are very predictable,and most so called plot twists can be figured out by a 3 year old.having said,they can be entertaining.that pretty much describes "Thrill of the Kill".here's the basic plot outline.Kelly Holden(Shiri Appleby-Swim Fan,The TV series Roswel)can not let go of her sister's murder,which happened a year ago.She believes she can find out who the killer is.She enlists the help of murder mystery novelist Graydon Jennings(Chris Pottter-Kung Fu:the Legend Continues,Silk Stalkings(10 episodes)who happens to be in her town for a book signing.Because all of his novels are written from the point of view of the killer,she believes he may have some valuable insight.Naturally,there are more than a few suspects,but it is pretty easy to figure out the killer,way before the movie ends.Both Appleby and Potter are decent actors who do well with what they have.the movie is an entertaining 88 min diversion,which is probably all it sets out to be.Many people are critical of TV movies,sometimes referred to as the "movie of the weak".they are criticized for having basically the same plot,just different actors.this is true,but it is also true of much of the crap that is churned out for the big screen by Hollywood.there is certainly very little creativity there.the only difference may be bigger budget,big name actors and sometimes special effects,all designed to woo the viewer into thinking they're seeing something new.in other words,disguising the fact that they are watching the same old thing each time(yes,there are exceptions).add to that the fact that these big screen movies are actually trying to be creative or at least think they are.now,with the so called movies of the week,the filmmakers and actors know what their product is and don't try to make it anything more than it is.so,the above criticisms of TV movies are not valid.generally a movie of this sort deserves a 6/10 unless it is woefully worse than any other movie. since Thrill of the Kill is no worse than other TV movie and as good as some of the drivel that the big Machine spews out,this one also gets a 6/10