Too much of everything

Thanks for the memories!

Memorable, crazy movie

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Action takes precedence over characterization in "Fear Is The Key", but that's not necessarily a bad thing. There are great car stunts in the first half, and a memorable climax set underwater. Some of the plot twists are rather obvious, and John Vernon's casting gives away the identity of the chief bad guy almost instantly. Not that he doesn't make an excellent bad guy, as does Ben Kingsley, playing a seriously creepy hit-man in his film debut. Barry Newman is a solid antihero who sheds the "anti" as the film proceeds. Suzy Kendall is beautiful but not asked to do much, except for her participation in one close-quarters fight scene where she tries to help Newman. A successful film on its own modest terms. **1/2 out of 4.

This is one of my favourite movies of the 70's and in my opinion , very underrated. I certainly think it has the best car chase , ie; when the car is dented , it remains so in the next shot , not back to showroom condition ! ( the one in Bullitt is perhaps the coolest , but how many times does McQueen pass that green Beetle ! ) along with the great Roy Budd soundtrack. Barry Newman is great in the lead role , and although the plot is a bit far-fetched in places, it is great entertainment and has a good twist at the end , but I do think the underwater scenes looked a bit like the bottom of a goldfish pond ! One of those great movies nobody has heard of ! This is available on DVD in Scandinavian countries so grab a copy.

FEAR IS THE KEY is one real gem of a B-movie. The plot is packed with twists from beginning to end, and the characters are not always what they seem. Good performances from everyone involved, though no big stars. Clint Eastwood's best and favorite nemesis, John Vernon(JOSEY WALES; THE UNCANNY) appears here as the archvillain, supported by an early hairy Ben Kingsley. This film is no less than a little masterpiece, with a strong though unpredictable story, and an energetic soundtrack courtesy of GET CARTER's Roy Budd. In the vein of THEY CAME TO ROB LAS VEGAS and Mario Bava's CANI ARRABBIATI. It's a man's world.

Fine actioner based on Alistair MacLane's novel holds a few surprises for those lucky enough to catch this underrated gem. An unorthodox and at times bitty script is held together by an amiable cast including a young Ben Kingsley (debuting with a full head of hair) surprisingly in his only film before his Oscar winning performance of 'Ghandi' ten years later.The screenplay is a crafty one, with Barry Newman ploughing through the first half of the film seemingly out of control and playing a role hauntingly similar to his one in 'Vanishing Point' keeping the viewer guessing what's going to happen next and why. After a slightly boggy, espionage filled middle act the film coolly builds to a dramatic nail-biting finale and it is only here in the film's dying moments do you actually discover the truth. Though the ending may not quite reach some viewers expectations, it does wrap things up succinctly, making the thrills on the way (including a fine car chase that bursts from a courthouse breakout) all the more worthwhile.