The Stranger Within

The Stranger Within is a film I think I am in love with. It does have more than one flaw (we all do) but I keep watching it over and over again. The film's quality outweighs the minor flaunts (which include some cliches, like a heroic cop trying to come to the rescue) by far. For one, there is Kate Jackson's as well as Rick Schroder's terrific acting. These two actors seem to be made for each other and the way they score in The Stranger Within just screams for more joint ventures. Tom Holland did a wonderful job directing them and I hope the three of them will work together once more. The story by John Pielmeier is stirring, gripping, suspenseful and even credible (although he really should have abandoned that cop story line). He uses everyday situations and events, and what I like most about his narrative is the emphasis on emotions and humanity. The script does not judge any of the characters and we really sympathize with all of them. It makes The Stranger Within a tragedy as much as a mystery. The sudden violence is not subtle, but it nevertheless results in some clever and fascinating scenes and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Violence and tragedy keep taking turns appealing to the viewer's imagination and compassion and especially the scenes of Schroder and Jackson in the kitchen, where naturalness as well as impact of the dialogues reach the highest levels, are stunning. The music by Vladimir Horunzhy is sober and electronic and that suits this film remarkably well.

I just wonder why Tom Holland made this film for television and not for theater release. It would have been a hit in European film houses, and wide screen format would have done more justice to the solid camera work by James Hayman and crew. Therefore I suggest The film will be remastered and provided with full opening and end credits in order to prepare it for international theater release. Maybe Holland still has some cut scenes which should be in it and could be inserted. I don't think the film will ever become a hype (thank god) but it does not deserve to be lost in oblivion

Stranger Within is a movie that had a great potential, a great plot, a great story-line. But, it has become more likely an ordinary thriller at the end of it. Many scenes started to be rather unbelievable, illogical (i.e. Mark's strength, his 'ability' to move the body that fast).

On the other side, I'm not trying to say I hated this movie. In fact, I liked it. If you're checking IMDB now to see if it's worth a watch, watch it. You won't be disappointed, especially if you like 'high voltage' movies as Stranger Within is.

Overall, I rate it a 6/10.

Good little suspense movie. Kate Jackson was beautiful and Rick Shroeder was terrific as the long lost son who has returned as a psychopath. If you are a Kate Jackson fan then this movie is well worth the watch.

"The Stranger Within" is one of those stories that keeps you glued to your seat untill the end!

Having your 3-year old son abducted in a grocery-store is every mother's nightmare. After several years of pain and guilt Mare found some happiness with her new boyfriend Dan. What is she going to do when one day a handsome boy appears on her doorstep claiming to be her long lost abducted son? Can he prove who he claims to be? Is it a setup? What is his gain by tormenting Mare with her past? Will Mare choose between her new boyfriend and her son? The chemistry between Rick Schröder and Kate Jackson is incredible! Both actors give a top notch performance resulting in horrific screen moments and tension. You keep on guessing untill the end whether or not Mark is the lost son! Whatever the outcome, this movie stays in your memory for many years to come!

A word of advice: do not go near the frozen lake!

This has to be Rick Schoeder's most 'differrent' (for lack of a better term) role to date, in my opinion. I don't think his performance in "Bad Seed" comes even CLOSE to this one. His turn as "Mark" I would have to say HAS to be one of the ten creepiest characters EVER portrayed on film! The thing I remember most about this movie were the sketches that "Mark" had. Those were some of the creepiest pieces I've ever seen. I think that the 'fear factor' of this movie is underrated when taking those sketches into account. I would have to give it a 10 simply for the fact that this was a television movie, when it was honestly creepy enough for a theater release. Get the popcorn and turn off the lights for this one, but only if you're ready for the nightmares to come!