Malice (1993)

 I like it more each time I see it. You gotta pay some close attention though.
I remember when this movie came out it got panned pretty good. I actually think I watched Siskel and Ebert do their original review with mixed reactions. And that's understandable. This movie can be confusing. I understand it more with each viewing. Some may say they pack too much in this movie for it to be comprehensible. That too isn't unfair. But this movie falls into the "the more you watch it" category- you definitely realize more with each viewing. That's not how a movie should be I realize. But in some of my favorites it is. I've gone from 50/50 on this movie initially, to an 8 or 9 out of 10 scale. I think Baldwin is at his best as is Kidman. Bebe Neuwirth isn't utilized so much, and this surely isn't the fetching Bebe that I adore so much either. And there are some spectacular small performances by Peter Ghallager (Hollywood's perpetual attorney), George C. Scott, Anne Bancroft and Tobin Bell. A pretty loaded cast along with Pullman, Kidman and Baldwin. Though the most shining moments are from Baldwin and Kidman, playing the passionate conspirators, Bancroft makes the most of about a 10 minute scene that not only explains a lot, but is reminiscent of Geraldine Page's scene stealer in "The Pope of Greenwich Village". The ending was satisfying in many ways also. I tell you, I know this isn't time capsule celluloid, but I like this movie a lot. It entertained me, made me think, kept me guessing, and gave me an acceptable pay-off. Try it, but bear in mind, you can miss a lot on a the quickest of bathroom breaks. December 26, 2007

 "Speak of the Devil..."
Tracy and Andy Safian (Nicole Kidman, Bill Pullman) are a young couple just starting out in life. He's an associate dean at the college and she's a teacher, and their big, old house needs repairs. To make ends meet, they rent out the upstairs room to an old high school classmate of Andy's, Dr. Jed Hill (Alec Baldwin). Tracy thinks he's impossibly arrogant but Andy likes him. One day, Tracy is rushed to the hospital with life-threatening pains, and Jed is the surgeon on call. His actions will destroy all of their lives.

This is one creepy thriller with great acting and a script that will keep you guessing - and on the edge of your seat. Baldwin is perfectly cast as the megalomaniac doctor. He's both attractive and repulsive and owns the screen. Kidman shows quite an acting range, going from ideal wife to something very shocking indeed. Pullman is Everyman, struggling to get by, doing his best, and being easily fooled. There is a scary subplot about a rapist on campus that is unnecessary, except to establish the close friendship between Andy and a hard-boiled police detective, well-played by Bebe Neuwirth. Anne Bancroft shines in a small part as Tracy's alcoholic mother. The story is fast-paced, intense, and full of surprises. If you like psychological thrillers, you'll enjoy "Malice." June 27, 2007

 I am God
A great movie line that should go down in the history books. Alec Baldwin and Nicole Kidman shined in this ninies thriller and it still holds up pretty well. The plot does have a lot coindicences, but the performances are what make this film. The last twist with the kid may have been too much. Being a next door neighbor, I believe Kidman's character would have known about the handicap. Recommended. May 3, 2007

 "a loose remake"
MALICE is ok, but the original (a 1990 TV movie called BODILY HARM) is better. THE OPERATION was the original title.

Bodily Harm April 14, 2007

 The Serial Killer Sub-plot
The serial killer is inserted, not thrown in, as a means to "say" more about Bill Pullman's character's capabilities. These hint at aspects of this fellow others will ingore as the film moves on- I'll not comment on the consequences of their oversights. January 20, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...