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The above average ratings of this made-for-TV movie seem way too high. I expected an in-depth look at the search for the "Son of Sam," and instead found a mushy look at the familial life of the lead investigator, played by Sheen. In fact, the Son of Sam character was not developed at all. The only reason I stuck through the film was my prior interest to find out how the police captured Sam. It is very difficult to believe that this is the same Sheen who made Apocalypse Now just six years before this.

Most negative comments on docu-dramas usually focus on factual inaccuracies, which is certainly valid. My highest rating for this intense TV movie is based entirely on the dramatic elements, not knowing all the details of the Son of Sam case myself. There seem to be two camps who "own" the story, the Jimmy Breslin group which includes Spike Lee, who based his "Summer of Sam" film on Breslin's book. Ed Zigo is the hero here, and Breslin is dissed early in the "Out of the Darkness" by the Brooklyn cops who are the focus of this tight and emotionally rewarding film.

As portrayed by Martin Sheen, Ed Zigo's professional and family life is richly revealed. Sheen is completely believable (except probably for those who know Ed Zigo personally), and he sets the acting bar at an extremely high level. The fine supporting cast, led by Elizondo as the aquarium-loving priest, are up to the task. The script is as naturalistic and engrossing as any you will find in a TV movie, and the outstanding location shooting add to the pitch-perfect atmosphere.

When you see the real-life hero of the film listed as the technical adviser, you always suspect he or she is going to be shown in a positive if not downright glorified way. I don't need to know Ed Zigo to know that this is a truly great film, made-for-TV or not, with real drama, suspense, fascinating characters, and large emotional rewards.

I didn't realize this was a TV movie while watching it, though in retrospect it makes perfect sense. This film tries to be a cop film and a romantic drama all wrapped into one package. It fails miserably; in the end it's pure cheeze. I don't know how historically accurate this is (though I assume it's quite accurate as Ed Ziggo was technical advisor - and appeared in the film (look for him as the negotiator with a megaphone) but accuracy aside, it doesn't matter how realistic it is because not enough time is spent on the story anyhow. There's *way* too much focus on Ed's private life, and the focus, though interesting at times, doesn't fit in with the main plot. Too much background, too much straying into his personal life, too much time spent on detail we don't need to see. Much of it doesn't have anything to do with the main story or an effect on the main story. And we need more of a main story - there's not enough tension in the cop part of the film, and I quickly lose interest without it.

On the other hand, Sheen and Elizondo steal the show. Their normally brilliant acting isn't quite as brilliant as usual (mainly due to a poor script and hopelessly generic characterization) but nonetheless saves the film from utter horror. Sheen especially makes this film much more interesting than it should be. Trebor was also quite interesting as Berkowitz, though his dialogue was pretty cheezy as well... Unfortunately, most of the rest of the cast, each playing stereotypical and cliched characters, are not of nearly the same acting caliber and therefore pull the film back down again. Especially annoying was his daughter, a second-rate job on a character who was much more instrumental than she should have been.

Sightings: look for a *very* young Eriq LaSalle (aka Dr. Peter Benton on ER) playing Bobby. And look for D.B. Sweeney (Cutting Edge) in another small role.

Overall: Was mildly amusing. I don't particularly regret seeing it. But it was definitely nothing special. Because of the solid acting job by Sheen, Elizondo and Trebor: 5/10.

Out of the Darkness (1985)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

Made for TV movie about Detective Eddie Zigo (Martin Sheen) who is trying to keep his personal life on track while hunting down the Son of Sam killer. This movie left me pretty disappointed because it promised to "tell you new things" but it hardly deals with the actual Son of Sam case. Most of the film deals with Sheen's sick wife, which is fine but it's all very routine. The Son of Sam case is barely talked about and we really don't get too much behind the scenes info on what the police were thinking or doing at the time. Towards the end when they finally capture the guy things really pick up but by then it's too late. Sheen is good in his role as is Hector Elizondo, Robert Trebor and Joe Spinell.

"Out of the Darkness" isn't worth the trouble. Martin Sheen is a lot better than the material. The supporting cast is fine but they can't save the movie. The script is weak and unfocused. The dialogue is pretty bad too. That said, Sheen makes the movie almost watchable.