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Write to Kill (Video 1991) 4.5 out of 10 stars Time to Read: 1:32

BASIC PLOT:

Clark Sanford (Scott Valentine) is more than surprised when his older brother, Jamie (Chris Mulkey), shows up at his apartment. He wasn't expecting to see Jamie for another two years. Jamie's been in prison, and he's being pretty cryptic about how he got out early. He assures Clark he didn't escape, but that's all he'll say, except that he has to complete a job. Clark sees himself as an old-fashioned writer, so he's naturally curious about Jamie's situation. Soon, he'll know more about it than he wants to, when Jamie returns home, shot, and dying in Clark's arms. Clark will stop at nothing to uncover who killed his brother, how he got out of prison early, and who's behind the scenes, pulling the strings. Before he knows it, he's on the run with a beautiful woman, Belle (Joan Severance), with danger at every turn. Can he discover why his brother was killed, in time to save himself from a murder rap?

WHAT WORKS:

*CLARK AND BELLE HAVE GOOD CHEMISTRY Scott Valentine and Joan Severance have the right amount of intimate heat, for two people thrust into a situation, beyond their control. There's a scene where they're lying on the couch talking, and it's very authentic, especially for a straight-to-video movie.

WHAT DOESN'T WORK:

*CLARK LEAVING THE GUN BEHIND DOESN'T WORK The one major plot hole is a BIG ONE! Clark goes to avenge his brother, hoping to kill Mark Gaston (Ray Wise) his brother's murderer (there's no spoilers here, this happens in the first ten minutes). But Instead, he chickens out, AND LEAVES THE GUN BEHIND!? IN THE KILLER'S HOUSE?! Clark knows he's a bad guy, why does he not try to retrieve the gun?! Of course, this is the plot device (plot hole) for Clark to get framed for murder, but c'mon! Miguel Tejada-Flores (writer) should be ashamed for leaving a plot hole this big!

*THE WAY CLARK MEETS BELLE DOESN'T WORK Clark (Scott Valentine) meets Belle (Joan Severance), running down the road, after escaping the killer's house. That's a pretty big coincidence, but hey, I believe in fate, so I guess I can let it slide.

*NOT ENOUGH SEX SCENES We only get one sex scene between the two of them. It's hot, but if you've got a topless Joan Severance, and a shirtless Scott Valentine, why not show more??

TO RECOMMEND, OR NOT TO RECOMMEND, THAT IS THE QUESTION:

*If (and that's a big IF), you like 80's and 90's straight-to-video thrillers, or made-for-tv movies, you might like this. It's nothing to get excited about, it's a time waster, it knows it, and it's ok with it. It's not trying to be anything other than it is - a fun, silly way to reminiscence about a time we all wish we could go back to. If you're looking for a gritty or an involving, elaborate script, look elsewhere.

CLOSING NOTES:

*This is a straight-to-video movie, please keep that in mind before you watch\rate it. Straight-to-video movies have a much lower budget, and so your expectations should be adjusted.

*I have no connection to the film, or production in ANY way. This review was NOT written in ANY way by a bot. I am just an honest viewer, who wishes for more straight forward reviews, and better entertainment. Hope I helped you out.