blue hermit

I actually sought out this film because of its promotional advertising. I've also read that everyone involved in making "The Sweetest Thing" had a great time. My first reaction on seeing the list of main players was that something with both Cameron Diaz and Christina Applegate in it must be worth a look. Having seen this film I wish I'd had the presence of mind to lie down in a darkened room until the desire to purchase the DVD had passed unfulfilled. In other words, I was very disappointed.

The cast are real troupers, they deal enthusiastically with crass dialogue, feeble humour and the abandonment of sauce for vulgarity. The music is poor, in fact the penis song is unbelievable. Between cringes, I yearned for the inspired "Springtime for Hitler". Those were the days before alternative humour. Anyone interested can have a look at "The Producers" (1968).

Cameron Diaz doesn't seem at her best as "Christine Walters". She doesn't quite seem to justify top billing. I think Christina Applegate has the more dominant screen presence playing "Courtney Rockcliffe".

I've heard there's a debate in some quarters about whether or not CA actually has a range beyond the air head bimbo in "Married.....with Children" that made her internationally famous. I remain neutral, but anyone watching TST might be interested in Applegates's characterization of "Julia Malfete" in "Just Visiting" (2001), a light hearted time travel story with thought provoking moments.

Selma Blair's performance in TST is a genuine plus. Thomas Jane makes a decent job of his role too. TST is the first time I've spotted either of them. I wouldn't mind seeing their future appearances. And, let's hear it for that appealing character actress Georgia B Engel and her colour de luxe dress shop. She's enlivened so many shows, classic and turkey alike. There's also Parker Posey in a wedding dress. I can only recall seeing her in the enjoyable "You've Got Mail" from back in 1998, but I know she's done other things.

Sadly, I don't think it is in the interest of the more recognizable faces to recall too loudly their involvement in this movie.

Not having read the comics, I watched this TV movie without expectations. I wasn't disappointed. "Witchblade" is original and very atmospheric.

The action takes place in an urban sprawl said to be New York, but a New York shrouded in an occult gloom. The director Ralph Hemecker, and Z D Zeik who has the writing credit for the movie, have blended a police action theme with the supernatural. What they've created involves and fascinates.

I think "Witchblade" gains a lot from a superior cast. Based on the end result, the obviously hot casting team of Gerussi, Mariano and Miller deserved a bonus when it was in the can. For a start, Yancy Butler is a captivating and lethal Sara Pezzini. I certainly didn't see Sara Pezzini on the horizon when, years ago, I watched a waif of an actress doing her best with Natasha Binder in "Hard Target" (1993). The clue is in the eyes. Man, those eyes!

Anthony Cistaro is brilliant as the morally ambivalent, super rich tycoon, Kenneth Irons. A man so unsatisfied by his power and riches in this world that he wants influence and opportunity in the dimension of the Witchblade.

Ian Nottingham is a great character. His lurking about and obscure relationship with Kenneth Irons had me guessing at times. I don't recall seeing any previous appearances by Eric Etebari, but I'd be happy to see more of his work. The same can be said of Will Yun Lee, David Chokachi, Kenneth Welsh and George Jenesky; not a born spear carrier among them.

This is TV film making strong enough to stand on its own. A thoroughly professional effort. I hope Marc Silvestri was equally pleased with the filming of his work.

"Witchblade" entertains. Recommended.