The Flying Dutchman

"Frozen in Fear" is recommended for Eric Roberts or Rod Steiger completests only. Neither actor is particularly spectacular, although they try their best with a script that is a severe handicap. The ending is especially contrived, with the usual sequel possibility left uncomfortably dangling. Leading up to this anticlimactic climax, redundant flashbacks vaguely reveal why Eric Roberts character is so screwed up (as if we didn't know). What you get for most of the film is a mute Eric Roberts constantly groping Catherine Oxenberg, lots of machine made fog appearing out of nowhere, and a story so underdeveloped that it screams for an immediate re-write. - MERK

Wow, where to begin... this movie is extraordinarily boring.

The plot is uninspired, nonsensical and never resolves itself in any plausible manner. Add to that a small, inter-related (or perhaps incestuous) cast of characters, a sound mix that underplays dialog; yet overplays the numerous "jump scares;" and, simplistic, cliché settings; and you get FROZEN IN FEAR or THE FLYING DUTCHMAN.

I bought this DVD at Wal*mart as part of a 6-movie pack, for $5.00. If this movie is any indication, I way over-paid.

I wish I could say more; but, I don't want to run the risk of spoiling this movie for you.

DVDs can be purchased for stupid reasons. Here's one: I saw a documentary about famous producer Robert Evans. In the internet I read that the man was married for eleven days to a woman called Katherine Oxenberg – an intriguing name for people who live in the German speaking world, makes me think instantly of a delicious soup. I did not know the woman (honestly) and thought: hm, let's have a look at her. So, again through the internet, I ordered the none too expensive disc. And now I know her, sort of.

I did not have the patience to watch this movie through to the end, the uninspired, predictable script and the none too good direction are to blame. The locations in Montana are dramatically beautiful, the actors do an OK job and the art on display – an important point in the plot – is kinda interesting. The basic idea for the story combined with the isolated location actually had some potential. It was used badly.

But the most irritating thing about The Flying Dutchman was Mrs. Oxenberg's nose. It just never seemed to settle comfortably in her face and I quickly developed an unhealthy fixation on that apparently man made body part, ever wondering what it would do next. Oh, what a tragedy! It probably looks great on fotos for glamour magazines, but as soon as the carrier is seen moving, it develops a strange, inexplicable and not entirely welcome presence. How bizarre. How sad.

A few years after release but.

The vision behind this was maybe a bit before it's time.

It's always strange when old themes become current.

While predictable, there is a vision and complexity that can be compared to wine.

The Montana scenery and organic local talent - such as Renata Godfrey's performance - make this a film that should have legs with several audiences.

Worse films have become cult favorites based on lesser impressions.

Try to imagine what Rod Steiger and Cat Oxenburg saw in the script. Sure things could have been done different, but sit down and imagine.

Then remember it's just entertainment.

This has got to be one of the worst movies that I've seen. The acting is horrible (I guess acting doesn't run in your family Julia). The directing is even worse. And the screen play is just so freakin' bad it'll make you want to throw up! Please, do not watch this movie under any circumstances! It is a total piece of crap!