Who thought this would be a good idea? And why did I decide to spend an evening with it? I don't think that I can answer those questions. I should have known, based on the avalanche of bad reviews, but then who listens to critics?
I walked in knowing this would be bad yet, like a moth to a flame, I found myself at the counter uttering the words "Basic Instinct 2," as I handed over my hard-earned money. The theater's lobby was packed with people out for a night at the movies. Perhaps I would at least have a jazzed crowd to watch it with, but no. I entered the auditorium to find but a handful of people peppered throughout. I guess all of those bad reviews worked in keeping people away. In any case, I settled down in my seat and waited for the festivities to begin.
The film opens with the most excitement you're going to get. Sharon Stone, reprising her role as Catherine Tramell, speeding through the empty night streets of London with a drugged-up man for a passenger. She leads him into an activity that probably isn't terribly well advised while driving 100+ mph. With the empty streets, I was wondering if this could be a part of the world of V for Vendetta, but this film isn't that smart. Anyway, Tramell winds up crashing the car off a bridge into a river. The man dies, and the story, such as it is, is off to the races.
Tramell is arrested and assigned one Michael Glass, played in stoic fashion by David Morrissey as the shrink, to determine how much of a threat she is. The game picks up when she starts with the mind games, attempting to out-shrink the doctor. The doctor, meanwhile, is buying right into it. Then more people start dying and everyone is a suspect. Blah, blah, blah.
I honestly found myself not caring about anything. There was no tension, mystery, or sensuality. The acting was awful on all fronts, the dialog was laughable (and judging by some of the reactions in my small crowd, it was hilarious), and the score was annoying. There was nothing to like about this movie.
Our two leads, Stone and Morrissey, have one look and one tone of voice apiece. Everything is taken so deadly seriously that the comedy is unintentionally increased. The best way to describe it is "constant constipation." Stone, with her plasticine face, probably didn't have enough control of her facial muscles to muster more than that pained look of an aging seductress. Then there is Morrissey who isn't much better - he is completely forgettable. I felt bad for David Thewlis and Charlotte Rampling. They have both been in good projects in the past, and are pretty much wasted here. They are abandoned by the poor script and inept direction.
Article comments
1 - Earl
Never saw the first one. I guess I'm just out of the loop, or I really don't care about Hollywood.
2 - Greasy Guide
I LOVED THE MOVIE! Ms. Stone was as sexy as ever and she still has it for an old broad. I don't care what the box office was the movie was good.