Unlawful Entry

Starring: Kurt Russell, Madeleine Stowe, Ray Liotta
Directed by: Jonathan Kaplan
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Thriller
1992

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: After a burglary attempt in their home, a husband (Kurt Russell) and his wife (Madeleine Stowe) are relieved when a charasmatic police officer (Ray Liotta) takes special interest in their safety. However, what starts out as a friendship soon turns to something much more sinister as they begin to suspect their policeman friend has ulterior motives and he will stop at nothing to achieve them.

Review:

Tim: This is not the smartest or best thriller, but it does enough right to be decently entertaining.

One bright spot in the movie is Ray Liotta. He is one incredible bad guy. THis wasn't the easiest role to play, because he had to be a good guy, then slowly become more and more creepy until he hits full out psychotic status. He nails the performance in every way and is the sole reason for seeing this movie.

Kurt Russell and Madeleine Stowe are actually pretty boring. They don't make a believable couple and pretty much any pair of actors could have done and equal job. They are both relatively weak.

Unlawful Entry scores points for showing how frightening your life could be if a deranged cop got it in his head to ruin everything you care about. In these areas is the film the strongest. However, this strength is taken to a few ridiculous extremes and this breaks the movie down. This film is a bit gimicky and occasionally feels too much like a Lifetime Original movie (which is never, ever good).

Although Unlawful Entry has a number of shortcomings, Liotta's villain makes for an intense film that will at least kieep you in a quasi-state of suspense. You'll probably be entertained and occasionally thrilled by the suspense. One the whole, however, this film is subpar.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 6.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Accused, Breakdown, Straw Dogs, Hannibal, Reservoir Dogs