Inferno

I will be hard pressed to come up with 10 lines about this film. From the title and since it went (I believe.) straight to video, I did not expect much. However, Liotta gives his usual competent performance and Mueller-Stahl is his usual evil self. The alternate film title, Inferno, is irrelevant to the story and and was chosen only to lend itself to the stupid gratuitous nudity in the strip-bar of the same name. Why writers/directors think the public (at least the public over 17 years old) is still enamored with topless women walking (dancing?) around poles is beyond me. It is obviously voyeuristic, out of place and plainly stupid.

I gave it a score of 7 because the story does generate some interesting suspense and because I truly adore Gloria Ruben. Why she never made it big in Hollywood is a mystery, I find her simply glorious (sorry for the pun).

Amnesia was already, by the year 1999, a cliched movie device, but as another reviewer said, it can always be effective if used correctly. Unfortunately, "Pilgrim" soon slides into a standard crime plot. Ultimately, this yet another movie that gives you less than you expect when you pick it up after reading the synopsis on the video box cover. (**)

Ray Liotta gives a believable performance as an amnesia victim, saved from the desert by Gloria Reuben. Piecing together his dark past, and it's relevance to a missing suitcase full of money, is the storyline behind "Inferno". The Mexican desert locations add tremendously to the film, and thankfully there are few if any surprises, especially no convoluted ending. Most flashback movies become confusing which eventually drags them down (see "Memento"). "Inferno" is understandable, exciting, has great photography, and the acting by all concerned is good. Highly recommended, for Ray Liotta fans. It's just a damn good movie that delivers. - MERK

For a low budget cable B movie, this was actually pretty decent. Jack (Ray Liotta) wakes up in the desert with a bump on his head and total amnesia. Vicky (Gloria Reuben) gives him a ride and helps starts him on his way to trying to find out who he is. Of course, while he is trying to piece it all together, some very nasty characters are trying to kill him.

The story is intriguing and handled well. It is somewhat predictable, but there are a few interesting plot twists, a good deal of violence, and plenty of car chases and action sequences. The ending was rather unfulfilling but not terrible.

The film was written and directed by Harley Cokliss, whose prior experience includes mostly TV credits. Cokliss' direction was straightforward and unremarkable, much like the desert he was shooting. The acting of the three leads was good, particularly Liotta, who has some excellent performances on his resume (Copland, Goodfellas). He has a knack for making the bad guy seem likeable, and that was the case again here.

Gloria Reuben also gave a good performance as Vicky, though it was a pretty minor role. Armin Mueller-Stahl is always strong in supporting roles and he was particularly good here as the heavy.

I rated this film a 6/10. Good acting, engaging story and adequate direction. Add one or two points if you like guy flicks.

Inferno is one of the the new (by now old) breed of "post-Tarantino" noirs. I suppose we're all tired of that term by now, but one mustn't forget that for every two or three lousy rip-offs of Mr. QT there's been at least one good one. Interestingly enough, the last film of this ilk that I truly enjoyed was "Phoenix", which also starred Mr. Liotta- (Ray, what have you done to relegate yourself to B-World?). Pilgrim's premise is not very novel but when an amnesia thriller is done right, it's almost always riveting. Herein lies the flaw of "Phoenix". Without giving too much away, I can tell you that most of the suspense about "where am I, who am I, and what have I done" is done in by flashbacks early in the film, and the denouement is rote and by the numbers-(and, as far as this reviewer is concerned, asked more questions than it answered). What did I like about the film? The acting- (especially by Liotta, who is way cool in these sorts of roles) is passable all around. The atmosphere and desert cinematography are creepy and lush, respectively. Pilgrim is a frustrating near-miss...(or is it near-hit?). 3 out of 5 on the Corkymeter, with a full point of that earned single-handedly by Rebel Ray. Let's all wish him a little less "Turbulence" in his career and hope that he can become the "Good fella" that we remember! (Many apologies for that, I just couldn't resist).