That was an excellent one.

An action-packed slog

A Major Disappointment

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

"Happy Face Murders" is a below par whodunnit which has little to offer and is very ordinary in almost all respects. Ann-Margaret is not believable as a quirky old woman; Helgenberger isn't believeable as a tough cop; the script is sophomoric; directing abominable; etc. Unless you're really bored and happen upon it on broadcast, don't waste your time.

This crime tale is weird, suspenseful and filtered with off beat humor. Situational drama does little to help this well acted, but trying story line. The hardest part of watching is seeing Ann-Margret as an enabling granny that tells one lie on top of another.Marg Helgenberger is the movies brightest spot. Nicholas Campbell is on the edge and totally believable. Henry Thomas seems to have phoned his part in from a phone booth, sorry.A quirky little murder mystery that features brutal truth. Give it a shot.

Richard Anselmo stole the ending of the Happy Face Murders as the plodding newspaper reporter. For this part, Anselmo gained over 50 lbs in weight and is being compared to Robert DeNiro's part in " Raging Bull". DeNiro gained 40 lbs in that role to play the part. Anselmo's interview of Ann Margret was the highlight of a very lackluster movie. The only credibility factor of the movie was Anselmo's true to life interview.

I saw this at the Directors Guild the other night at the premiere. It's a very strange story, especially since it is based on truth. It makes you think about how many truly bizarre people we actually have in our world. Watch this when you get the chance. It will be on Showtime.