Appartement 17 - L'antre de l'enfer

While the storyline is certainly unique, it isn't enough to be more than something to pass the time if you have nothing better to do. The acting is mediocre, which is disappointing considering the calibre of the cast. To his benefit, Chad Lowe delivers his lines with the sense of humor that is required to pull this movie off. Its not the worst movie ever made, but its close. If there is nothing else left on the shelf at your local video store and you insist on watching something, then this movie is for you. True Chad Lowe fans will enjoy it merely for the fact that he is in 90% of the scenes.

"The Apartment Complex" is a campy comedy full of kookie characters created in lieu of a real story which tells a young psych student (Lowe) who takes a job managing an apartment complex and becomes embroiled in a murder mystery...um, if you can call it that. This low cal watch contains no suspense, no thrills, no drama, no action, precious few funny moments, a dash of nudity, and almost no romance. "The Apartment Complex" is passable, forgettable junk food for only the most needy couch potatoes.

Well, I wouldn't call it a blockbuster, but I had the chance to see this movie on video and I have to admit, it kept me right on my seat, until the very end. I am a fan of Chad Lowe, so I started watching this movie just for him. Despite the awful performances coming from the others, he manages OK, even if it's not Amadeus. The plot is simple but intriguing. If you want a nice, pleasant movie with some twists, which you can forget afterwards, this is the one.

I came across this film by accident on tv tonight, and knew nothing at all about it beforehand. So my expectations of it were totally non-existent. Always a great state of mind to have when watching a film.

I enjoyed it a lot. It had a fair amount of groovy unexpectedness to it, and some smart moments of humour. Yes, it is a COMIC thriller (something which I was surprised to find missing on these hallowed pages). If you didn't see humour in this film then you just couldn't have been paying attention. Even the title is a psychology pun.

I don't know much of what Chad Lowe had done before this, but I thought he played a fine part. As did Amanda Plummer and R Lee Ermey (seemingly destined to play 'military guy' forever but he does it so well).

Tobe Hooper's direction was pretty smart for the most part. I did think the comparison between the people in the complex and rats in a maze was a bit overplayed. But that be a minor quibble.

Overall it's well worth watching.

Excellent flic; sold as a "drama" by Showtime, was a comedy CLEARLY. The question is; do you get it? Definitely worthwhile, you MUST check it out! Excellent characters and plot.

Vero & Tony