Without Evidence

This movie rides on Angelina Jolie's name (and that's in retrospect looking at it from now)--she's not even a primary character here. She's a passing character here. This is (albeit announced as so) a story based on a real event, that basically follows the storyline to a: "Is that it???" You might as well watch an episode of America's Unsolved Mysteries (or whatever it was called). This takes you through a true occurrence that was never solved. BUT...it leaves you at the same place.... STILL UNSOLVED!!! What's worse is that it doesn't really leave you with anything to "chew" on (i.e., something to talk about at work or with friends/family to talk about). It just...ends. It doesn't even leave you with captions for "if you have seen call..." This movie is essentially HALF a movie that leaves you at the, "What's gonna happen now???" point. And there is no, "What's gonna happen now," the credits start rolling...

I recently watched Without Evidence (1995) on Tubi. The film is based on the true story of a correctional officer who mysteriously disappeared, with a man determined to uncover the truth. As he delves into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance, he encounters witnesses whose accounts don't quite add up. A $1,000,000 reward is offered for information, but will it be enough to solve the case?

Directed by Gil Dennis (Intermission), the film stars Scott Plank (Holes), Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad), Angelina Jolie (Tomb Raider), and Andrew Prine (Gettysburg).

Unfortunately, the main character's performance severely undercuts the film's authenticity. The acting across the board is average, which is surprising given the strength of the cast. The premise had potential, and there's an air of mystery throughout, but the film falters due to weak writing, casting, and execution. Jolie's portrayal is particularly jarring-her youthful, less mature performance makes her feel out of place but still must watch. The low-budget cinematography also does little to elevate the story.

In conclusion, Without Evidence had the ingredients for an intriguing mystery, but poor execution and lackluster performances let it down. I'd rate it a 3.5/10 and recommend skipping it.

This movie said it was based on a true story so I thought it might be interesting. From the start the movie was disappointing.Little information is built upon the characters leaving you not knowing enough about any of them for them to be very likable. Just when the movie seems to be going in the right direction it falls short. Situations develop but with little detail. There seemed to be too much information trying to be crammed into the movie.It was like one scene he asked for the autopsy report and ,cut, next scene he gets the report in the mail.Toward the end of the movie I just kept wondering when is the movie going to be over. Then the ending is there and you don't even know it because the whole movie just drags on. It ends so abruptly that you still have questions, but really you could care less if they are answered.A total waste of time and money.

I put this film in my Amazon Prime queue because I was living in Oregon at the time of Michael Francke's murder.

It starts with a clip from "Unsolved Mysteries," and the rest of the movie has about the same production values, including the cheesy preview scenes. It was fun seeing scenes of Oregon and recognizing a couple of Portland stage actors, but otherwise, I lost interest, despite having seen the story play out in nightly news reports for months.

"Without Evidence" attempts to weave a gripping narrative centered around crime and conspiracy but ultimately falls short of delivering a compelling experience. Starring Angelina Jolie, the film explores themes of truth and deception, yet its execution leaves much to be desired.

The story follows a journalist who becomes entangled in a web of intrigue while investigating a suspicious death. While the premise has potential, the plot often feels disjointed and predictable, with twists that fail to generate genuine suspense. The pacing is uneven, with moments of tension interspersed with sluggish dialogue that detracts from the overall momentum.

Jolie's performance adds a layer of charisma to her character, but even her talents can't fully elevate the material. The supporting cast, while competent, often feels underutilized, leading to a lack of depth in character development. As a result, the relationships and stakes within the narrative fail to resonate with the audience.

Visually, "Without Evidence" has its moments, but the cinematography doesn't do enough to enhance the story or create a memorable atmosphere. The film's score is functional but lacks the emotional impact needed to elevate key scenes.

In summary, "Without Evidence" is a missed opportunity with a promising premise that ultimately feels flat. Its predictable plot and lack of character depth earn it a 5/10 rating. While it may entertain fans of the genre, those seeking a gripping mystery will likely be left wanting more.