Désir de vengeance

Though this is not a GREAT movie, it is a VERY, VERY GOOD movie; and for once Virginia Madsen plays a character which not only do we have some sympathy for, but also very likable as well.

"Bitter Vengeance" tells how an ex-cop pulls off the so-called 'perfect crime', as well as what may be the 'perfect getaway', by faking his own death, and pinning his 'murder' on his stunned wife !!! Usually, Virginia is cast as the accomplice in this type of story, judging from her more recent work, so this is something new and something good for her, for she seems to be more suited to this type of role.

And when she discovers what really happened, she goes hunting down her hubby and his sexy mistress, with some help from friends and a handsome detective.

From her past credits and knowing her abilities, I would not want to be in Bruce Greenwood's shoes at the end.

Once again, it is good to see Virginia Madsen in such a role, and while I am not sure why she took this part, it is my hope that she learns that it is good to play such a role once in a while, and she seeks these roles out more often.

While she has every right to try her talent in new and daring venues, her audience deserves something like this, to be reminded how special she really is.

All in all, a VERY GOOD MOVIE !!!!!!!

This is a very taut film in the beginning and well played by the leading players. Bruce Geenwood, who is always good, does an admirable job throughout until the end. Virginia Madsen starts out good, which is a surprise as I've always thought of her as a Sharon Stone wannabee. But then after a while she turns into this Nancy Drew detective and goes about doing most unbelievable things. Changing from a mousy type into this Charlie's Angels character and does it badly. Once more she is a total disappointment renewing my original thoughts about being a bad actress. Kristen Dalton isn't that much better as the second women in Bruce's life. Just another pretty face, and not much else. Eddie Velez is good as another money hungry thief. Stuart Cooper directed this and I said earlier he got off to an excellent start and then it all got bogged down with ridiculous unbelievable events.

This viewer would have preferred the dame to stay in jail and Greenwood to get away with it all. Oh well, you can't have it all.

Virginia Madsen stars in a story where character Annie marries cop Jack Westford (Bruce Greenwood), who was later fired from the force six years later and begins an affair with an employee. He disappears with stolen money and fakes his death, framing the crime on Annie. As a result, Annie is suspected of killing Jack and stealing the money.

This movie contains the tension of the motion picture, Double Jeopardy, which also stars Bruce Greenwood that portrays a man faking his own death and framing his wife (although this TV movie came first). This TV movie has the mystery and suspense that captivates an audience and keeps the movie's momentum going quick. The tension builds in one scene after the other to its action-packed climax, from the moment Annie finds Jack missing to her struggling to clear her name and find her husband.

The movie may be a little predictable by the time the second half of the story comes along, but overall, it is a nice popcorn movie for the night.

Grade B-

Routine thriller that never rises above mediocrity, although the attractive and competent cast gives some class to an otherwise very modest and forgettable production. Still, it's watchable enough to stay in the two-star rating territory.

Virginia Madsen provides a strong, first class, convincing and excellent performance in this interesting and enthralling drama full of suspense and intrigue. It is good to see Madsen portray the victim -as opposed to the victimizer-for once and she adjusts to this role adeptly and intelligently -proving her credentials as a wonderful and multi-talented actress. Bruce Greenwood, Kristen Dalton and a strong supporting cast also contribute into making this TV movie enjoyable and well worth watching. The plot could be interpreted as slightly recycled -having been portrayed on made for TV drama on several occasions previously-but a well written script and a strong supporting cast transforms it into a first rate movie.