Killing Me Softly

Could have been a whole lot better, the film is, nevertheless, not as bad as some suggest. I only got round to watching it because it came on the same Blu-ray disc as Dennis Hopper's Hot Spot - goodness knows why, I can't think of anything they have in common. The other reason was the hysterical comments from some on Amazon (and they must have been from people that chose to buy the film). Heather Graham is fine and certainly performs the sex scenes well but Natascha McElhone looks better and seems more assured an actress throughout. Co-incidently (or not!) both actresses appeared in the US TV show Californication with David Duchovny, who, now I think about it would have been a better bet than the rather flat, Joseph Fiennes in the lead. Music seems inspired by that for Basic Instinct and someone was probably hoping this might reach those heights, but no such luck. I see the story is based upon a book by Nicci French. I have not read her but find it hard to believe that the dull, uninteresting and unbelievable storyline is her fault. Something very substantial must have been taken out (lesbian affair? incestuous relationship?) because although made with great style, this really does not amount to much.

Killing Me Softly W/ Heather Graham Rating: DUD

The main reason I picked this movie was because it was unrated and had Heather Graham in a starring role. Would that translate into hot love making scenes? YES! I no longer have to use my imagination to see what she looks like having sex with no clothes on. Aside from that, the movie totally blew chunks. Plus, she's not really a great actess if you haven't noticed. But if your looking for a semi-porno movie without the shame of actually renting one, this is IT!

One of the worst movies I've seen in a very long time. Heather Graham can't act. If the part called for a bimbo, then maybe she fit the bill. She's almost as bad an actor as Raquel Welch was early in her career.

It goes to show what a bad script and direction can do to an actor like Joseph Fiennes who was so good in "Shakespeare in Love" and "Elizabeth". It would be hard to imagine that the good actors in this film didn't know it was a turkey when they were making it.

This film almost is in the category of so bad it's good. I did chuckle from time to time at some of the ludicrous dialog and scenes. But, if you're looking for that type of movie, a much better choice is "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls".

***Mild Spolier*** I like a sexy no-brainer movie just as much as the next guy but this was ridiculous! Not only did the plot leave sooo much to be desired but the acting sucked. For instance, Heather Graham had no problem sleeping with a total stranger but then all of a sudden she's too shy to let him see her boobs. Not to mention that they've had about three sessions of hot sex with virtually no conversation which means-alas! We're destined for each other-let's get married! Grahamn and Fiennes have been in some great flicks (Shakespear in Love, Boogie Nights) but this was definately a step down. It was almost depressing to watch what has become of their acting careers.

I fail to understand why all the critics are coming down on this film with such vicious fury. Granted, this is not a Hitchcockian masterpiece, but please, give the movie a break. The same critics give decent marks for movies which are really way below this one, and sometimes even to pure trash, as long as they have a good Hollywood pedigree. Well, this one may not have the proper pedigree, but I nevertheless found it to be a very decent thriller, one that kept me interested and on edge most of the time, had a plausible story, and one whose ending was not totally predictable (which is more than you can say for most thrillers nowadays).

All in all, a good evenings entertainment for adults, well worth watching.