Review of Boxing Helena (1993) by Richard D — 24 Jun 2016

I don't hate this film the way some folks seem to. I don't like it. The major characters are not just unlikable, they are closer to intolerable. Sherilyn Fenn is bitchy, cruel and not at all what you can picture as the subject of an obsessive crush.

Julian Sands is weak and weaselly. I can't imagine caring what happens to him. After the key events that make Fenn dependent on Sands, the plot meanders around with little focus until Fenn seems to just change her mind for no reason.

There's a major twist at the end that I guess is supposed to make some of the illogic more palatable, but really just kind of slaps you in the face for having spent nearly two hours watching this.

Is it as bad as it's reputation suggests? No, it's competently made and has some good actors in it. Is it worth watching? Good heavens, no.