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The Maddening is a trashy, low-budget flick with a "big" star. I couldn't figure out why Burt Reynolds would appear in something like this, especially since he's always seemed so vain, I didn't think he'd have it in him to play a "bad guy." Looking back, this was made around the time of his divorce from Loni Anderson and the cancellation of his TV Show, so his star was definitely on the decline at the time. Maybe he needed the money to pay for lawyers? That being said, Burt is one of the few really good things in this film. His understated performance and on-screen charisma kept me watching even when the story and terribly pacing made me want to turn it off.

Unfortunately there's only so much that actors can do with material. This film is paced so poorly, and the story is so one-dimensional (just waiting for all of the characters to converge for the final show-down) that there's little the actors can do to help.

Burt Reynolds finally goes completely insane in this direct-to-video psycho-horror flick about a deranged father who'll stop at nothing to protect his family secrets. Mia Sara is quite good as the hapless victim and disturbed child Jill (Candy Hutson) is entertaining.There are also some gruesome parts such as Cassie's fingernail coming off. Most people have gave this film bad reviews but i enjoyed it and would definately consider watching it again.

Burt Reynolds as a psycho... definitely had me interested when I came across this one on late- night cable TV. I should have known that like most of everything Burt Reynoolds has made in the last 20 years or so, this one is very high on camp and pretty low on quality. I was even more surprised to see that it was directed by Danny Huston, who has since gone on to do some excellent acting work in some very acclaimed films. I guess The Maddening was a low point for both him and Burt... check it out only if you dare. Kind of reminded me of the B-movie classic The Stepfather, except this one is even lower in production value.

How low is Burt Reynolds willing to stoop, during this late phase of his career? Apparently pretty low indeed, judging from this tedious thriller that was barely released theatrically. Reynolds seems miscast in his change-of-pace villainous role, and the snail-like pacing and poor production values remove most of the "entertainment value" this movie might had possessed. (*1/2)

Disturbing, but trashy flick with three good actors completely wasted. Burt Reynolds tries extremely hard to bring depth and meaning to his repellent character, but comes up short handed. As for Mia Sara and Angie Dickinson, both of these actresses have proven before in the past that they are solid actresses. However, in this effort they are used as little more then scenery or to just cry and acted scared. The director keeps things moving at a snail like pace and both the director and writer of this project can both be blamed for failing to build up any thrills or suspense. A major disappointment, but at least much better things were in store for Reynolds about 2 years later (Boogie Nights).

Rated R; Adult Themes, Violence.