Uncut Gem

Made apparently by committee (you know you're in trouble when more than two writers are credited), not sure whether it's a caper movie, a horror-suspense, comedy or (even!) a sex- farce. Bad writing, scenery-chewing acting, absurd mcguffin; the only thing good about this disgrace is the main set, some kind of uber-luxurious hotel room in downtown Toronto. Worst of all, though, the direction, which seems utterly uninformed, unaware of where the drama in the 'script' might be, and tragically devoted to sappy, sometimes hilariously inappropriate background music.

A sure miss.

Women who enjoy romantic suspense should like this TV movie about a jewelry-design apprentice who is abducted during a robbery. While being held in a high-rise apartment, she finds herself frightened and flustered by the smarmy advances of one of the holdup men and, at the same time, confused and unsettled by the oddly protective actions of another of the gang members. The characters are well drawn, distinctive, and intriguingly diverse. Lolita Davidovich is particularly interesting as a makeup artist/novice robber. The storyline moves smoothly and steadily and has just enough plot turns to make for a simple but engaging crime drama.