Mind Games

I work for a Video Store and we got this movie because our store plans to stock it.

I wish we wouldn't! It's a mediocre movie with nothing redeeming about it.

Why are movies like this made? Haven't enough amnesia movies been done? There's nothing new in the story, maybe the combination of elements is new, but those elements are so old they are clichés.

Maybe if there was nudity, then it could pass as the fodder on Cinemax. But even of that this film is wanting. There's a couple of interesting acting performances, but the lead female character is horribly realized. She has no depth and is simply a plot device. When your lead character is simply a plot device?

I wouldn't waste my money, and if it's playing in the store while I'm working. I'll put in Kill Bill or something.

I have to be honest, I only watched this movie because I'm one of the few Kari Keegan fans in the world. I loved her in "Jason Goes To Hell", I've always thought that she had on screen charm and special beauty. I had a crush on her.

After years of waiting and looking for this movie; I finally watched "Mind Games" (previously named "Something Borrowed") in 2007. When it was announced in a so called "art channel" in Sky; I decided to give it a chance.

I really tried to like it but it didn't deliver any of my expectations. Why did Richard Norton accept to wear those horrible Texan cowboy clothes? I didn't like the performances. Kari Keegan delivered a wooden performance although I love her on screen charm and bright big eyes. She was very sexy by the way but that didn't save her performance. But she did deliver some moving scenes while being with her sick father.

Geoffrey Lewis was my favorite actor. He delivers a tender, believable performance. The rest of the cast is just regular.

You've seen all the situations displayed in this movie before. There are many clichès, just regular dramatic situations, and boring sub-plots. Avoid it.

To watch a memorable, powerful, interesting movie that deals with amnesia and flashbacks, please watch the great "Memento".

In a case of no one trusting anyone, a best selling author recovers from an episode of amnesia to learn that her husband, a swaggering Texan, has filed a divorce claim against her. She can't even remember the marriage. But, the writer's own brother verifies the wedding. Along the way, some real estate deals get thrown into the legal mix,and "Mind Games" weaves a web of domestic intrigues that pitch brother against sister and husband versus wife. The cast, featuring a darkly comedic and perfectly rendered performance by Richard Norton as the conniving Texan, ushers the audience into the realm of devilish fun. The writing never abandons its goal of clever twists, and Adrian Carr's sly direction creates an amusing, conspiratorial atmosphere for a cast that delivers. For the sheer diversion of well crafted comedy and perfectly nuanced acting, "Mind Games" is a complete pleasure.

Emerging film writer David Lasdon infuses this comedy of scoundrels with the kind of fresh angles and clever dialogue that make it a wonderful departure from Hollywood's current fare of predictable sequels and TV show makeovers. If any recent character in movies deserves a sequel, it's Norton's brash Texan. The great actor, a martial artist who has also championed acting, was previously directed by Carr in the swift action film "Sword of the Bushido." Though Norton has legend status in martial arts films, he has eclipsed the action genre with his formidable talents, and with Carter Tallerin, his persona in "Games," he perfects the portrait of a comedic rogue. Every moment of the movie and Norton's tour de force performance provide the escapist fun that current movie makers too seldom deliver.

The twists and turns in Mind Games will be enjoyable for those who like films like "The Usual Suspects." The dialog and plot are Mametesque...It's a shame this small budget film couldn't get some bigger name stars to work for scale. It probably would have been a box office smash.

The plot is riveting. I thought I had the ending nailed and was shocked when I found myself totally off base. So many movies fail because they over forshadow in an attempt to appeal to the lowest common denominator viewer. Not Mind Games. Watch it and you'll find it to be one of those sleeper gems that you wish you could come across more often.

MIND GAMES is a movie with wide appeal. It has great suspense through out the film that keeps you guessing until the end. This is not your typical mystery movie. MIND GAMES is a lite, fun, and energetic. The cast brings comedy, sex appeal, and mystery which they could not have done without great direction by Adrian Carr.

Jill Reeves (Kari Keegan) plays an excellent writer, her character is strong woman who won't take any crap and knows how to run her life. She shows great diversity in her role. Brian Reeves (James Wilder) is humorous, mysterious, and full of fun. Carter Tallerin (Richard Norton) brings charisma and comic relief to the film with his "sly" Texan accent and appealing presence but don't be fooled there is a twist.

MIND GAMES may not fall under your typical mystery film, however, it should not be over looked. It's addicting cast and plot leaves you wanting more!