Point of No Return (1993)

An action-packed suspenseful wonder-ride of a film, it is one of Bridget Fonda’s best performances and captures the remake of La Femme Nikita which was released in 1990. The French film inspired not just a remake, but also a television series which was originally written and directed by Luc Besson who has done other films such as The Fifth Element (1997). John Badham directs Point of No Return, and delivers something cutting edge while keeping the origins of the story intact and intriguing. Robert Getchell and Alexandra Seros were responsible for the screenplay writing this captivating action-suspenseful thriller, which also has a bit of romance and criminal activity involved to it.

There is a rather large ultimatum to this story for the lead character Maggie Hayward aka Claudia Anne Doran (Nina) played by Bridget Fonda. She must choose between life and death for all the wrong that she has previously done. Along the way, she meets a man simply named J.P. played by actor Dermot Mulroney who becomes her love interested. Her life continues to become complicated for her as she hides her true identity to her boyfriend. But this is just the main story, there is more hidden as you will see if you decide to watch this.

I liked each of the actors who they selected for these particular roles; it certainly added something to the film and made it better in my opinion. Gabriel Byrne plays a character known as Bob and is in charge of this secret government operation. Anne Bancroft appears in this film as Amanda who tries to mentor Maggie into a refined lady. Miguel Ferrer appears in this as Kaufman who is another government operative.

Attention The Wonder Years fans, you will notice Olivia d’Abo in this playing a character named Angela. Lorraine Toussaint plays Beth, Richard Romanus plays Fahd Bahktiar, Geoffrey Lewis plays the Drugstore Owner, Mic Rodgers plays the Cop, Ray Oriel plays Burt, Michael Rapaport plays Big Stan and keep your eyes open for Harvey Keitel playing Victor the Cleaner.

The high point of this film is the acting and the action packed story. From the beginning until the end, I found it to be entertaining and worthy of a watch. Other people liked the French version better but this one was more suspenseful and astounding. Even my mother has watched this film about 6 times loved it each time around. The story has old meanings within it and can be compared in some ways to the classic My Fair Lady (1964) but a different scenario.

Point of No Return

Post from: Chewypopcorn.com
Written by: Terry Larch

Point of No Return (1993) Review

The Trigger Effect (1996)

Some movies you remember for their creativity, and this one was this type of a movie. Imagine a world without power? We are all so dependent on having it, that when we lose it, all hell can break loose. The tagline for this one was: “When Nothing Works, Anything Goes” I thought this one was good enough to rent or find for cheap to buy. It makes you think about how things can change dramatically for your family and friends, in an over the top situation directed by David Koepp. This was written by James Burke and David Koepp also co-wrote the screenplay.

The cast includes an underrated array of characters played by Kyle MacLachlan as Matthew, Elisabeth Shue as Annie Kay and Dermot Mulroney as Joe. They are all close friends and decide to stick together to overcome the extreme environment which they now have to deal with. They have no choice in the matter and their lives are in constant threat. Each day for them is another victory in this strangely entertaining tale.

I think some critics didn’t like this film, and thought there was something missing. Perhaps it was the choice of actors and the director’s vision. Who knows? I still think it was worthy of a watch regardless of what others thought. More often than not the so-called critics compare any older release to something fresh out in the theatres. The choices for watchable movies seem to dwindle each year. I’ve been disappointed recently in some of the upcoming releases.

There are more first name only appearances in this feature which include: Rick Worthy as Johnny, Richard T. Jones as Raymond, Bill Smitrovich, Steph, Michael Rooker as Gary, Tori Kristiansen as Sarah, and Tyra Kristiansen as Sarah. (Yes the younger girl Sarah was played by a set of twins on set) This was the girl’s only appearance known on screen.

Overall, I think you will find this one to be entertaining enough to check out. The actors seemed to make the most out of what they had to work with. It would be considered a B list or even C list movie to some. But, I thought it was worthwhile for sure. Check this one out if you want to see something with a different kind of premise.

The Trigger Effect

Post from: Chewypopcorn.com
Written by: Terry Larch

The Trigger Effect (1996) Review