The Age of Commercialism

As Good As It Gets

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

"Red Letters" happens to be one of the must see movies I have to watch. A great cast of characters goes along with the plot, and it's very suspenseful as well. Peter Coyote did a spectacular job playing the reluctantly helpful Professor Dennis Burke, and Fairuza Balk looked good as student Gretchen Van Buren. Nastassja Kinski is the hot and sexy convict Lydia Davis, who's desperate need of being cleared of a crime. I think the four pictures of the photo booth was rather kinky. Lydia(Kinski) taking off her sweater. The question is what resulted of her state, Bra? or Braless? Who knows? The one scene where Lydia runs into Gretchen, and changes clothes with each other. That was strange. However, noticing Dennis' odd behavior gets him kicked out of school, but somehow it was worth it because of his conscience of finding the truth about Lydia's innocence. The movie was great, it has plenty to go on, and it's a big keeper in the video library. Rating 4 out of 5 stars.

OK,I make alot comments about Kinski movies,but everyone has their favorite artists. This movie is just fun from start to finish. And it does keep you on the edge of your seat. There doesn't seem to be a wasted moment in this movie; every scene is there for a reason. Just good film making and good acting all around. I think the title would make more sense if the prof's book had been explained in greater detail.

I kept expecting to turn it off at any moment, yet the characters were unpredictable and the writing kept this little film moving along at a nice clip. Before I knew it I was hooked. Sure, the plot gets a little clunky near the end, but everyone involved with this picture seemed to enjoy themselves. There is even an homage to Demme's Something Wild, which this film begins to resemble near the end. Overall, three stars, and sure to be a minor hit for the few video stores that are likely to pick this up.

Caught this on DVD. Watched it mainly because I like most of the cast members -- Coyote, the luscious Kinski and Faruzia Balk, and Jeremy Piven (from THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW). Assumed from the cover it was going to be one of those late night cable erotic thrillers (and the delicious nudity contained within the opening scene seemed to confirm that), but it turned out to be much more.An interesting, twisty story, well shot and well directed, with across-the-board good performances from all involved. Even Pauly Shore (I suffered a chill of dread when he showed up late in the film) was okay. Coyote's dilemma escalates steadily throughout the film in a compelling fashion, so I was disappointed when the third act didn't pay things off in a way I found believable, or up to the level of the rest of the picture. Still, well worth giving a look. A real pleasant surprise.