Fear (1996)

Two years before he let it all hang out in Boogie Nights, former rapper and Calvin Klein underwear model Mark Wahlberg played the psychotic boyfriend in this derivative but surprisingly effective thriller, aptly described by producer Brian Grazer as "Fatal Attraction for teens." Reese Witherspoon plays Nicole Walker, the unwitting teenager who gets the hots for David McCall (Wahlberg). David only seems like a nice guy until he gets upset by the girl's overly protective father. That's when hell breaks loose and the love-struck Romeo turns into a deadly threat who just won't go away. You'd think this kind of material would be beneath the talents of a fine director like James Foley (whose credits include At Close Range and Glengarry Glen Ross), but Foley gives the film just the right blend of style and tension to match Wahlberg's breakthrough role as an all-too-believable teenage maniac. You might feel silly afterwards, but don't be surprised if you find yourself getting caught up in the expertly manipulative suspense. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

Great Movie

I liked this movie alot, I liked it from beginning to end, I liked that is had drama the whole time, I hope another movie comes out like this one. October 14, 2008

Why did they have to kill the dog !

As you can tell by my title I am a dog lover and an animal lover.

I was watching this movie with my adult daughter and when the psychos killed the family dog (German Shepard)it just made me sick at my stomach.

Not just killing it was enough, but they had to make it grotesque and vile.
This director should be embarrassed for that scene as it did not add anything to the movie except keeping me from ever watching it again.
IF YOU LOVE ANIMALS, DO NOT WATCH THIS MOVIE !!
October 7, 2008

If it's too good to be true...

Fear is a sort-of Fatal Attraction type thriller, though is not the classic that Fatal Attraction has become. Fear, however, is quite effective for what it is and though nothing about it is top-rate as far as a great Thriller goes, the combined package of what Fear offers still grabs hold of you and pulls you in for the ride.

David McCall (Mark Wahlberg) catches the eye of Nicole Walker (Reese Witherspoon) and the pair hook up for an evening together after leaving a dance club. Nicole is practically shocked when the man she gets to know is much more than meets the eye, and her dreams seem to be coming true when she thinks she has found the perfect guy. The first half of Fear sets up a love story that is actually enjoyable to watch, as both David and Nicole fall for each other. I never felt the love story was ever very cheesy, especially when the "roller coaster experience" is quite original. David finally meets Nicole's family, and everyone is amazed at this perfect, handsome gentlemen. Everyone except Nicole's father, Steve (William Peterson) who just doesn't buy into it.

All good things must come to an end....if it's too good to be true....etc etc...and here we go...David comes by Nicole's school on a typical afternoon to pick her up and witnesses her friend Gary hugging her. The kind and gentle David we thought we knew is suddenly transformed into a raging beast, knocking Gary to the ground and kicking the crap out of him. Smart Nicole thankfully doesn't want anything to do with David again. Regretting his mistake, David apologizes til it wears down Nicole. She gives David another chance, meanwhile outraging Steve. Thus begins the war between Steve and David, and eventually brining the enitre family into the mix.

The last half of Fear is, well, Fear. The thrills and suspense begin. The final setting of the film is at the Walker residence, where David and his buddies won't rest until they bust inside and do the damage. Overall, it's a predictable finale, but the bits and pieces getting there are always fun and contain some surprise thrills.

You might feel silly when you step out of the spotlight about Fear, cause its certainly not a masterpiece but its a fun ride nevertheless that effectively entertains. If you're looking for a good teenager love story that isn't cheesy follwed by a sudden turn for the worst in terms of thrills, Fear is worth checking out.

Acting - 3.5
Characters - 3.5
Story - 3.5
Suspense - 4
Overall - 4
September 21, 2008

good movie

this is a very good movie, but i only gave it 3 stars because this version is the letterbox version and doesnt even cover half the tv screen. I dont mind the 16x9 ones but loathe the letterbox dvds the movie itself has an excellent story and is well worth watching. September 5, 2008

Bad boyfriend.

Fear starring Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon is a wicked thriller to say the least. The film also stars William Petersen and Amy Brenneman. Wahlberg plays a psycho boyfriend and Witherspoon is very effective as the naive teenager he falls for. I like this film, some of the scenes seem kinda silly now but overall Fear will keep you coming back for another viewing, enjoy! July 3, 2008

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