As Good As It Gets

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

Blistering performances.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

Patrick Duffy stars as a doctor who moves to a small town with his wife, where they experience strange events taking place and a sinister presence dwelling there. Seems like the entire town's out to get them. It's based on a novel by John Saul, known for his mixture of mystery, horror, and diabolical genres. Not a bad TV movie - has plenty of suspense and even some jump-out-at-you moments to keep you on the edge of your seat. The acting was a little cheesy at times, particularly that of the two children. But, the plot was well-paced and the overall movie was quite entertaining.Grade B

***SPOILERS*** Planing to stay at quiet and scenic Clark's Harbor for the summer psychiatrist Dr. Brad Russell and his wife Eline, Patrick Duffy & Cindy Pickett, are a bit taken back about how unfriendly everyone in the town is towards them; That from the police chief Whalen, Brian Keith,on down. It's not long that Brad & Elaine feel that the place is not for them and plan to got back home to Seattle. It's when Brad later spots a friend of his from Seattle there Glen Palmer, Lawrence Pressman, that he decides to stay. It's Glen's young son Robby, Shawn Carson, whom Brad was treating for his emotional problems back home that got him interested in staying. Not to continue to treat him but to find out what made Robby so normal almost overnight!It doesn't take long for Brad to realize that the once overactive and uncontrollable Robby is not as normal as he seems to be. It's for some strange reason the violent ocean storms that hit the town that seem to quite the boy down. Storms that seem to come out of nowhere and left those who aren't natives to Clark Harbor dead in their wake!So-so horror or supernatural made for TV movie with a double twist ending that instead of explaining what's been going on in it confuses the issue even more. People, or strangers considered by those living there, who moved into Cark Harbor over the last 30 or so years Brad finds out suffered horrible and in most cases unexplainable deaths. It's old man Riley, Jeff Corey, an nutty beachcomber in the town who warned the couple ,Brad & Elaine,to get out of town before they end up dead themselves. In his trying to warn the away Riley ended up dead himself.***MAJOR SPOILERS*** We finally find out what's been going in at Clark Harbor in the films Storm and wind swept final moments. It did have something to do with what happened to a person who's living there when he was a little boy which we saw at the very beginning of the movie. Something that had him searching for answers, that eventually ended up driving him insane, all his adult life! And in the end when the truth finally came out we in the audience as well as the cast of the movie were in for quite a shock!

Bearded psychiatrist Dr. Brad Russell (Patrick Duffy) has just moved to the remote coastal town of Clark's Harbor with dutiful wife Elaine (Cindy Pickett). Things are a bit strange from the get-go, as they learn that their neighbours will include the family of one of Brad's former juvenile patients, Robby Parker (Shawn Carson). The fact that a local fisherman then shows up dead in his own net seems to seal the spooky deal, as does the story of local loony Riley(Jeff Corey), who informs the Russells in best method acting style that the town's beach once served as the site of sacrifices made by a now extinct tribe of Indians. The balance of the film consists of three things: ominous stock footage of storm clouds rolling in, Robby's nightly trips to the storm-lashed beach (ostensibly to search for the family mutt) via his bedroom window, which never seems to be locked or secured, and gauzy shots of ghostly Native Americans dancin' the night away. There's a 'surprise ending' that won't surprise anyone who's seen more than one or two fright flicks and plenty of screaming. As unambitious as it is, though, this is a perfectly enjoyable Movie of the Week filled with familiar faces like Brian Keith, Martin Kove, and Parley Baer. Perfect late night viewing on a cold winter's night, as long as you keep expectations in check.

Saw this on UK TV some years back - just as my interest in John Saul reached a peak.Not a bad film, really - considering the TV-movie limitations imposed on it - but not so great either.If you like John Saul give it a go - otherwise......don't bother.