Wicked: Amazon.ca: Patrick Muldoon, Michael Parks, Julia Stiles, William R. Moses, Michael Steinberg, Frank Beddor, Automatic Pictures; Flipped Out Productions: DVD

After seeing this straight-to-DVD title, I can easily understand why it was not given a theatrical release. It aspires to be like a good Brian DePalma film, with generous helping of ultra-dark comedy, a labyrinth, thriller/mystery plot, and odd camera angles. Unfortunately, the comedy is not funny, there is no suspense, and the direction appears to be that of a director whose skill never made it past film-school level. One of the main problems is that the protagonist's relationship with an advesary does a complete 180 degree-turn with little to no explanation/rationalization (you'll understand when and if - heaven forbid - you sit through this film). The only thing to really recommend the title is a decent performance from the then-unknown Julia Stiles in her debut but, again, the uninspired direction sinks the film at every turn. Stiles has stated in print that this was her favorite film role. Logical, really, as her acting far outshines every other spect of the movie but, if I were her, I'd try to bury this film by any means possible. I was especially disappointed as director Michael Steinberg co-directed a film I greatly admire: "The Waterdance," a drama starring Eric Stoltz as a paraplegic. Then it all came into focus when I looked up the filmography of the "Waterdance" directors: co-writer/co-director Neal Jimenez (a real-life paraplegic) was responsible for the brilliant "River's Edge" while the only other creative endeavor Steinberg undertook was as one of many co-writers on the painful "Sleep With Me." So, if you like "Waterdance," seek out other Jimenez written films. If you like Julia Stiles, try "State and Main" or "Ten Things I Hate About You." If you like sloppy thrillers which look like they were made for basic cable, by all means, endure "Wicked."

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2.0 out of 5 stars The movie fits its own tiitle, Aug 18 2003

By

Andrew Fowler (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wicked (DVD)

The wicked truth about this movie is that the movie was horrible. I am one to grow soft on criticizing movies that I didn't enjoy by saying that it was 'okay,' or 'could've been better,' but I have to be frank with my opinion by saying that it was one of the worst movies I have ever seen.

Julie Styles is one of my favorite actresses due to the riveting movies that she has appeared in since 10 Things I Hate About You. But this movie deprives her of that title.

The movie starts out with a rebellious girl, Ellie Christianson, living in a small colorful town with flaky/uptight people who she feels she needs to contest to. In the beginning of the movie, Ellie's mother is brutally murdered by the saddened face of a drama theatre mask used as a decoration in their home. The audience is led to believe that Ellie killed her mother to gain the attention of her father's love. And as the movie goes on, the viewers are resilient in thinking that Ellie isn't the murderer, but her neighbor, Ellie's mother's lover, Lawson Smith, is...
As the movie progresses, other unforeseen twists occur.

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3.0 out of 5 stars The ending ruined it for me. How do I rate it?, July 20 2003

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Nosferatu (Albuquerque, NM United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wicked (VHS Tape)

I enjoyed this movie right to the end. But then I felt really ripped off. I have to give it credit for the entire movie keeping me watching. But I have to subtract for the fact that the ending ruined the whole viewing experience and left me angered with the writer, producer, director, and studio. If the ending had been different, I would have given it a 5. As it stands, I feel quite generous to rate it a three.

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