Semilla de maldad

As happens more often than expected, I was tricked again by an opening scene. Crappy flashback shots, a guy in a hospital bed and uninspired opening credits. Oh-oh...

Fortunately, the movie is not as lousy as the first scene. Helped by the 'stay cool' performance of Baldwin and Lombard, it is a fair watch. The plot is interesting, and it's good that they don't spoil the surprise quickly. The thing that ruins it a bit though is that the 'brainwash' method is portrayed very clumsily. Instead of showing a guy with electrodes on his head while watching pre-acted memories, why not simply a brain implant? Now, it really looks like a bad science fiction fantasy, which invades the further part of the story.

I found this movie at a video store, but I was not sure if it was any good (Thick as Thieves was not a good movie!)

I took a chance, and I liked it!

Think of it as an English movie, not an American. This is not an action movie with lots of explosions.

This is a nice realistic little thriller!

The actors are good, nice locations and a fine pace!

So if you like English movies, see it! But if you need American action you might be disappointed!

I give it 6 out of 10!

It's a shame that quality actors like Baldwin and Booth have to succumb to lousy stories and scripts just for the money. But, hey, it's a cruel world...

This is just another one of a long line of assassin thrillers that use all the usual narrative twists to try to make it appear more appealing than it is. Sure, it has some nice locations, it's a slick production, there is some good camera work and editing, and it's fairly well paced, overall.

So, what's the real problem? Quite simply, the whole premise is just totally unbelievable. However, instead of spoiling a rotten story for you, I'll let you find out what it's all about, that is, if you can get through it. I managed, but only because I like Baldwin and I kept hoping that it would get better.

It didn't. And, it had one of the most anti-climactic endings that I've seen for a long time. In fact, maybe never...

But, it's harmless fun, I guess, if you've got nothing better to do.

Interesting but otherwise implausible thriller finds a man (Baldwin) with problems to remember his own identity. Along the way, he is harrased by a group of government agents (or so they seem to be) and have to fight for his life. The movie has standard pace but is not dull or uninteresting. In fact, this one is just a routine entry made with some competence. I give this a 06 (six).

Don't expect any great acting performances, from any of the actors or actresses, in `Second Nature'; because there aren't any. Alec Baldwin, who has the starring role, usually gives a far better performance that he offers in this movie. Therefore, one might assume the script itself is simply not a good performance vehicle. Powers Boothe's lackluster performance might also be explained by this.

However, the movie is worth watching for one reason; the plot. For the first half of the movie, one might think the plot is simply full of holes that never get filled. But, this is not the case. As the movie progresses, you might find yourself saying ` oh ya, I should have seen that coming'. So, don't give up on this film in the first half. Just keep watching; you'll see what I mean.