Black Widow

This is a classic example of mass produced television entertainment. Other than Elizabeth Berkley, these are all unknown actors and it shows.

The plot involves a newspaper photographer who is in love with a millionaire bachelor who thinks she is just a friend.

Along comes a knockout woman, apparently a rich donor who sweeps said bachelor off his feet. Photographer is jealous and begins to investigate the knockout and uncovers lot more than she ever expected.

The plot is so predictable that I bet you can figure out what happens just from the little I have told you.

I just can't understand why writers and producers think that this kind of pap is worth an hour and a half of anyone's time. Granted, we didn't have to pay for it, but shouldn't they at least try to be creative? Unless you like the spectacle of actors speaking cringe-worthy lines and struggling to keep from breaking down with laughter, then this is a must to avoid.

However, if you like tried-but-true plot lines that you've seen a million times, then grab a beer and bag of popcorn and enjoy.

This film only received 15% on Rotten Tomatoes but I thought it was worth a 9 out of 10 spot. I thought the acting was a very good cinematography was beautiful and I highly recommend this one

Super predictable and reminded me of a boring lifetime movie. Cheesy music is playing every seen. Unless you are in the mood for an hour long soap oprah, dont waste your time. Watch the original 80's version with Debra Winger. Its much better.

In Dallas Texas, a well-built man disrobes and takes a steamy shower for the cameras. He is joined by a seductive woman. After a nap, the man is shot dead. Three years later in Malibu, California, another muscular young millionaire meets alluring blonde Elizabeth Berkley (as Olivia Whitfield). Apparently, this woman makes a habit of marrying millionaires who get themselves killed off - leaving Ms. Berkley a wealthier and wealthier "Black Widow". This time, however, handsome victim Randall Batinkoff (as Daniel "Danny" Keegan) has a concerned female friend who decides to investigate the whirlwind courtship...

The other woman is "LA Post" photojournalist Alicia Coppola (as Melanie "Mel" Dempsey). We suspect she has what Berkley calls "unresolved feelings" for Mr. Batinkoff. This gives Ms. Coppola the chance to show some of the best acting among the leads; her reaction shots improve the others' performances. The only other thing of note is Berkley's cleavage. Director Armand Mastroianni is unable to build any mystery or suspense, but he gets TV Movie-level skin in. Possibly, because the last dead body moved too much, "Black Widow" was reedited and re-released as "Dark Beauty". Wisely, they rejected "Black Beauty".

**** Black Widow (2/21/08) Armand Mastroianni ~ Elizabeth Berkley, Alicia Coppola, Randall Batinkoff, Adriana DeMeo

The movie is OK - more at the end - but it is an incredible mistake, about 10 minutes from the end, which made me register with IMDb just so I could let others know.

Near the end, there is a body floating upside down in a swimming pool. I won't give more details, so this does not become a spoiler.

When you get to this scene, watch the body. The person moves around, lifts the head up breathing... Amazing this made it through the final editing.

The movie itself is typical for TV movies - OK to watch when you want to kill a couple of hours, but nothing you'll remember for long. The story line is predictable - (is there anyone who would not predict the incident with the cell phone in the hotel room...) My family enjoyed watching it, and laughed for hours about the pool body scene.