P.C.H.

It says so much about this TV movie that the cast members prioritized in marketing after the fact have at most parts that split the difference between lead and support. It maybe says even more that the finished feature opens with rapid-fire, overzealous cinematography and editing that is supposed to be a snapshot of scenes to come, but one can only react with quizzical bewilderment. There are points of cleverness in the scene writing and dialogue, yet these and the plot development are so scattershot that the feelings of bewilderment are absolutely sustained moving forward - not least as vague thriller vibes are stirred in irregularly, incompletely, and piecemeal with 90s college comedy-drama. Oh, and one-third of the way through, suddenly a new character is introduced. What is happening here? 'Kill shot,' also known as 'P. C. H.,' can be generously described as an oddity.

It doesn't know what tone it wants to strike. It doesn't seem to know what a protagonist is, or what the word "focus" means, as several characters we meet (but not all) have their own subplots. It works overtime to emphasize and sexualize women's bodies; the costume design is rather all over the place, even as it screams "90s!" I do appreciate the costume design, for that matter, and the hair and makeup work, but these only count for so much when weighed against questionable narrative and scene writing that force the cast to swerve between disparate moods without really finding their voice, especially star Jacqueline Collen. Other movies have zigzagged between far-flung notions with sufficient intelligence and dexterity to make it all count; this just seems like it can't figure out what it wants to be - which is especially strange since the plot is, after all, whole, cohesive, and coherent. It's a curious idea, but one with potential. That potential seems unmet, just kind of thrown to the winds.

For what it's worth, I think the cast make the most of what they're given, or at least try to; were the writing tighter and more meaningful, I can see how their performances, and their character's threads, would be more impactful. But 'Kill shot' zips between peppy comedy-drama, soap opera melodrama, and meager thriller airs with far too little sense of direction, if any. I don't specifically blame co-star Gianni Russo, for whom this represents his first writing credit, nor director Nelson McCormick, in only his second turn in that capacity. Yet both their contributions are so pointedly erratic and flimsy, with skills yet undeveloped, that all the best ideas and best effort of all involved can't really help this to get off the ground, attain prime viewer engagement, or have the desired effect.

It's not abjectly bad; I see what it could have been. There are certainly far worse films you could watch. Unless you're a major fan of someone involved, however, I'm not sure there's enough value here to warrant a view. If you're extra curious or bored, then have at it; if you're looking for something you can really sink your teeth into, maybe you're better off continuing your search. 'Kill shot' has some good plays, but it just can't carry the ball to the finish line.

Of all movies (and I'm a film graduate, if that's worth anything to you), this is THE WORST movie I have ever seen. I know there are probably some worse ones out there that I just haven't seen yet, but I have seen this, and this is the worst. A friend and I rented it one night because Denise Richards was on the cover. Talk about being young and retarded. She's uncredited! Her role was unbelievably small! How did she make it on the cover!? IMDb doesn't even list it in her filmography. This movie was so bad, we wrote a little note to the video store when we returned it, and slipped it inside the case. It read something like "please save your further customers from having to view this complete and totally bad movie!"

The volleyball genre is strangely overlooked by most screenwriters. Thankfully, highly acclaimed director Nelson McCormick has brought us the second best volleyball movie of all time (rated lower than Side Out and higher than, well, umm). However, don't let the cover of this movie decieve you. Kill Shot stars up and coming star Koji as a modern day Sherlock Holmes. Using such high-tech gadgets as a computer that is less powerful than my Gameboy, Koji is able to aid FBI agents in the tracking of a man who has not committed any obvious crime. While there are other actors in the movie, including brief cameos by Denise Richards, a gay negro, and a preposterously ugly and annoying girl, Koji carries this movie on his own. Any fan of movies such as The Matrix or Hackers will definitely love Kill Shot.

I was under the immpression that Denise would be in this film as a main character, but instead was in the film for about ten minutes as that guys girlfriend. The film turned out to be the typical American beach movie but with no real effort into making it any different. It could have been pretty good, but turned out pretty crap

"Kill Shot" was originally the 1995 pilot to a potential TV series called "PCH," as in Pacific Coast Highway. It stars Kimberly Goltry, Jacqueline Collen, Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards (in a small role) & many others and is similar in tone to Baywatch, but with less beach antics. The project was unfortunately shelved and didn't surface until its release on DVD in 2001.

Denise was 23-24 years old when this was shot and looks great. Some complain about her small role (limited to the first 15 minutes or so), but she does appear and, besides, there are plenty of other noteworthy women to be found, some more beautiful than Denise. More importantly, the characters are likable and the story keeps your interest.

As far as the "more beautiful" women go, "Kill Shot" is worth picking up just for the stunningly gorgeous Kimberly Goltry. Kimberly plays Becky, a single-mother Southern belle trying to relocate in S. Cal. and eke out a living as a night club singer.

Kimberly wasn't only physically gorgeous, she had a star quality and genuineness not unlike, say, Marilyn Monroe, albeit more intelligent, not to mention better looking. Unfortunately Kimberly turned in the acting towel not long after "PCF" was shelved, but at least we have this gift (the "Kill Shot" DVD) to eternally behold her awesome beauty and talents.

Not only is the cast likable, much of the acting is notable, which is surprising since this is an unrealized series pilot. For instance, Ria Pavia and Mushond Lee have a night scene on the beach that comes off so natural it's like witnessing real life.

Jack Scalia, as the trouble-maker from Stacey's past, also displays some great acting in a harrowing scene at the climax that ends in a surprising and shocking way.

FINAL SAY: Don't listen to the grumps. "Kill Shot" is a worthwhile TV movie detailing the fun times, drama and suspense of life on the Southern Cal coast.

The DVD runs 92 minutes and is inexplicably rated 'R' for brief/tame nudity that's tastefully done. And there's no potty language. It's more like PG or PG-13.