Cypress Edge

I'm glad to see this wasn't Rod Steiger's last film, as this piece of dreck would be a horrible memorial for anyone. Steiger is the only reason I rented it. I should have known better, as I've seen writer/director Serge Rodnunsky's name on numerous B movie video sleeves, all of which (you can tell just by looking at them) are junk. Besides Steiger this alleged thriller wastes the talents of Brad Dourif and Charles Napier, both capable character actors. Rodnunsky's half-baked script does them all in, as does the poor continuity and shaky camera work. It's a shame, as the story, while trite, could have been given a fresh treatment by a writer with some real talent. Instead we get disjointed scenes of street revelers randomly intercut with supposed action scenes (generally bad chase scenes, by boat, car and on foot). The New Orleans locations look great (when the cameraman isn't attempting to imitate an episode of the old "Homicide: Life on the Streets" TV series). But the endless, boring conversations between the protagonist, Bo, and his girlfriend (whom he left waiting at the altar after his mom committed suicide) are excruciating. Steiger seems to have been either given no direction or ignored it, as his scenes consist of trite speeches about being innocent, interrupted by senseless screaming. Brad Dourif is generally reliable as a villain, but his part here is so underwritten there's nothing he can do except try to look menacing. And, although there are a number of awful "performances" in this piece of tripe, the award for worst acting has to go Ashley Lawrence as the protagonist's girlfriend (an assistant DA in one of the most crime ridden cities in America, who, nonetheless, doesn't seem to have a single case to work on). Lawrence's performance reminded me of those obligatory "serious scenes" in porn movies between the sex acts.

A good movie to watch that keeps you going!!!

Now I ain`t gonna lie to ya,this is a good movie but it does has its flaws.

The movie`s camra work is sloppy especialy when some action scene is shown or the camra goes to show the city or something.The camra is very off level and it pans out incorrectly and just isn`t used right.Another thing,Rod Steiger is great,I was really suprised to see how well he acted in this movie,his acting was really neat,I enjoyed him in it.Brad Dourif`s acting wasn`t bad either,he was his same old long haired villian as he always is.Damian Chapa`s role is really something,he can`t make up his mind if he wants to act silly or serious.Like he kept asking Steiger stupid questions and got yelled at many times.Cool Moe Dee had a very short part in this movie aswell.

As the story its quite good.It keeps you going and its not predictable.Though the whole movie you`ll be guessing who did it who did it?Its a good one see it if you have the time.

Technically "Cypress Edge" is rather poor with, choppy editing, jumpy camera, and a story that is totally forgettable. It is something about a murder, a trust fund, a fake children's charity, and strained family relationships. Interwoven with this are endless snip-its of New Orleans culture, including a parade that seems to randomly pop up throughout the film. Without the presence of three great character actors, this movie would be long buried in obscurity. It is strictly the presence of Brad Dourif, Rod Steiger, and Chares Napier, that makes "Cypress Edge" watchable. Their three evil performances raise the film to slightly above mediocrity. - MERK