Frame of Mind

Aside from a few OK performances, most of this film just kept me thinking, "how did this get made?".

With all the great story ideas, amazing actors, directors, writers, etc. in the world, how could something so bland get A) financed and B) legit actors like Chris Noth and Barbara Barrie to act in it? Most of the other actors - I can understand taking part in something like this as I assume they really need a role in whatever they can get. To be fair, the acting is not the real problem though. Even Arija Bareikis, who is normally a decent enough actress, has the depth of an empty manila envelope in this thing. That's partly the script/character to blame, though. The main problems are that the casting is mostly wrong, (David Dinkins...really???), the sound is barely there (sound is essential to creating a mood in a film like this, guys!), the script, (seems like a first draft that no-one edited and it's waaaaay too expository), and the directing (was there a director on set?). Sorry to say that lead actor, Carl Evans, is to blame as he was at the helm - or so we are to assume from his credits.

It seems like Eavans came into a load of cash and just blew it on this thing without planning it out correctly. So sad.

Notwithstanding the credibility of the whole JFK assassination conspiracy theory, if you just take this as a standard cop thriller, you should be moderately entertained as detective inadvertently discovers unexposed photo frames which may prove the existence of another shooter on the grassy knoll.

Evans is sufficiently relaxed as he eases into the unfolding intrigue, clues starting to mount that the CIA may be somehow involved in the assassination. Veterans Barrie and LoBianco appear in small but significant supporting roles, whilst SITC alumni Noth co-stars as an academic and conspiracy theorist Evan's befriends as he tries to unravel the dangerous riddle. And then in some truly bizarre casting, KISS drummer Peter Criss appears in a minor incidental cameo as a desk cop.

Evans (who also directs) manages to compose a reasonably taut and coherent mystery despite some obvious budgetary limitations and occasional plot lapses that threaten to overblow the production scale. Limited action and virtually no on-screen violence stifles what could've been, instead we're left with a largely existential threat that rarely seems real to the scale of its source material. Sufficient tension holds the interest, but the high profile storyline needed the higher production values to really succeed.

Rather surprised by the downside comments I read in these reviews, but then I think one's evaluation has a lot to do with whatever credibility one may have towards the idea of conspiracy in the JFK assassination. After all, if the Warren Report was a gross cover-up, what does that say about a lot of things? Americans are very resistant to the notion that the system they live in may be one of lies, corruption, and cover-up at the highest level. Popping a huge bubble can have serious consequences. If you think little of talk of conspiracy, whether the JFK assassination or other notable events, you may do well to spare yourself this film, which is likely to appear a b-level production, confusing with mediocre acting, or downright terrible. If on the other hand you lie on the other end of the spectrum as I do (note I state other end), I suggest you see it and by all means avoid reading any synopsis in advance. You will enjoy it more without spoilers. So being biased towards conspiracy I found the film very entertaining, credible, and well-casted. Well written and I could not guess how it turned out.

frame of mind is good. its a b movie but don't let that put you off. the acting has its ups and downs but i would say more ups. when i saw the plot description on IMDb i thought "god no not another kennedy film" well i got a pleasant surprise it had me interested the whole movie through, the idea is good and quiet possible and believable and for a subject matter that has been done time and time again i think it was a brave movie to attempt.

i consider myself a harsh critic of bad quality b movies and very rarely comment on this site but i think this movie apart from some of the acting flaws and low budget, had a lot of heart...hope you enjoy.

one of films for who the high expectations about a delicate subject represents its basic vulnerability. because it does not propose revelations. only a decent script about a plot, mysteries, search to the truth and obstacles. all - in decent manner, inspired in few scenes, realistic in many. the film is not a revelation and not a competitor against the classic films about same file, like J.F.K. . but it gives an interesting story. and this represents a real good thing.