MickyG333

6.1 stars.

I can't imagine the brainwashing that happened in the situation, but the film doesn't sufficiently lay the groundwork for the maniacal behavior of the perpetrator and the nonsensical subservience of the victims. I truly can't comprehend how seemingly intelligent young adults could be manipulated to this extent, and how any pied piper criminal could so substantially hypnotize these students. In other words, the movie gives us an unrealistic depiction of a charismatic maniac systematically and effortlessly coercing all these people. To imagine intelligent and generally balanced individuals could be so effectively bamboozled, is beyond me. The gaslighting is outrageous and not believable whatsoever.

The film insufficiently portrays the scenario, feels more like a Lifetime or USA production, is flimsy full of holes, is low quality storytelling, and yet quite troubling nonetheless. I cringed at the audacity. It's a bold and outlandish attempt, yet still I shudder.

8.3 stars.

There aren't a lot of good movies in the 70s as far as I'm concerned, but this one is as good as any movie in any era since film was invented.

If this is your first time, you are in for a treat. I can't believe I never saw this. I've avoided it for the past 40 years, because I never felt it would appeal to me. Something about films in the 70s and the basic premise of this story just isn't attractive at first glance. But once you dive in, like any great classic, it grows on you and grows and washes over your emotions like a flood. I am amazed with the directing, acting, editing and sound. Everything is just brilliant. It does not feel like the 70s, it feels like a high quality 90s.

Jack had a way with performing. His character McMurphy is nothing like I've seen. He's authentic and original, and unlike any of Jack's other characters in all of his movies. He really nailed the nuances of this role. It's hard to describe Mac's personality, somewhere between nonchalant and the best friend everyone wants, and I really like him.

Enjoy.

6.4 stars.

I love the lead actress, which is why I watched in the first place. The film itself is lacking in just about every department. The lighting and sound are average, the dialogue and pacing is average, mostly everything is average. But there are some aspects that are less than average, like the plot; while it's based on a novel, it doesn't have half the edge of said novel (just a guess). I know they had to trim the fat on all the dark stuff just so they could make this film, I read all about it. The story is watered down and made to be as delicate as possible, which is fine, but it turns out to be a bust (in my opinion).

The noir aspects are borderline nothing-at-all, and the actions of the two villains (anti-heroes) are haphazard and nonsensical. Their methods for plotting to do all the sinister things is just outlandish and ill advised. And the fact the law is on their scent and suspects their schemes from the start, makes no sense. There is just no sense of this story whatsoever. It just doesn't feel logical or reasonable, so the movie just plods along until the end where he gives a diatribe about whatever. I was feeling the whole thing deflate even further until it fizzled out in the last few minutes. What a disappointment. 5 stars, except the acting was really good.