Murder on the Yellow Brick Road

MURDER ON THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD is very interesting in that it attempts to present a "film noir" movie in the present. It works for the most part. Unfortunately, in the fast-cut TV/MTV world in which we live, we are not used to handling the (frequently) lingering camera looks and the generally slow unfolding of the story. It needs tighter editing. That said, the acting in most cases is very strong. One wishes that Ross Hagen's direction had matched the strength of his acting. His hard-bitten detective is the epitome of the stereotype, but with a depth of humanity that lifts the portrayal above the mundane. Ken Butler plays the tough-as-nails cop to very good effect. And it was a joy to see Nancy Kwan again! She's as beautiful as ever. The most exciting feature of the film is the cinematography. Gary Craver's photography, lighting and effects are superb, making it a beautiful experience. If you can adjust your viewing and mood to the slow pacing and tempo, this is a beautifully filmed and fun movie to see.

MURDER ON THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD is a fun to watch film that took me back to the back and white era of film-making. I was extremely impressed by both the story and character lines. It really tugged at my heart. The acting makes the film, led by Ken Butler's sensational portrayal of Detective Joe Patterson and Ross Hagen's superb portrayal of the P.I., Elwood Dick. Their friendship was so natural and down to earth, that it didn't seem like they were acting at all. The performance of Pilar Lastra as Gabrielle Mendez is also worth mentioning. She seems to be a relative newcomer, but her presence is undeniable. The same can be said for Charlene Fernetz as Rachel Dowd. She represents today's modern woman with dignity and style. I also loved the music, especially the theme song, Boulevard Of Dreams. Leslie Gillman's voice is haunting and soulful, fully realizing the music written by John Corlis and the lyrics written by Eric Belgau, who also wrote the screenplay. If you are a fan of murder mysteries, don't miss this one. It is definitely the best Yellow Brick Road to follow since the one to Oz.

It was the poster that caught my attention to this film but after I watched it, it was totally different experience than I thought it would be. This film is unique in a sense. We see so many movies out there with guns and blood without good stories. This film is very calm and non-violent that it came to me as style which I love it. It flows so gently that you feel like you're floating on water while you're watching it. The score and music in this film is amazing. When the ending credit rolls up, the music keeps you in your seat. This movie is not for the audience who wants to experience hell of a ride. This film is for those who wants to see the characters and a story. It is beautifully lit and well acted. The film has a unique style. Highly recommended.

One of the great pleasures in life is to spend a lazy afternoon with a good mystery book in hands and a bowl of peanuts in front of you. Spending a couple of hours with "Murder on the yellow brick road" and a bowl of popcorn was in the same league. The movie is made in a best tradition of "Hollywood of my youth" and, importantly, not only for old-timers like me but also for anybody who loves good old fashioned murder mystery. The story is good, straightforward, and easy to follow. Ross Hagen and Ken Butler in leading roles, as well as supporting cast give great and memorable performances. The absence of violence, nudity, and foul language is certainly refreshing and makes the movie even more pleasurable. The music is great. If you ask me – go for it!!!!!

Murder On The Yellow Brick Road is an old fashioned murder mystery. With the fun narrative of.."It was a hot steamy night...", that I have always liked. It's a fairly simple story, that doesn't seem to need the violence, and foul language that has been the center of most films lately. The one scene that stays in my mind, is the one with the Detective, played by Ken Butler, discussing with the Private Eye the love that a person can feel for people they are close to, long after they're gone. And, that seems to be the feeling in the story...an older man feeling love for a much younger woman..but more the love of a Father caring, rather than romance. And, LOVED the song at the end of the movie, "Boulevard Of Dreams".