Review of Eye for an Eye (1996) by Timothy S — 13 Dec 2010

Relatively speaking, it's not a very old movie. But still, "Eye For an Eye" plays like a relic from a bygone era, an example of a film that probably wouldn't have gotten made just a short decade later. Considering the rising problem and public outcry against internet predators, seeing the brutal attack, rape and murder of a 17-year-old girl here really leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

The movie is skillfully made. John Schlesinger is a talented director, and the cast is top-notch. The screenwriters know how to push your buttons and keep you involved in the film. The problem is that it's difficult to get over the seamy, smarmy aspects of the movie every time I watch it. Sally Field plays the outraged mom to the hilt, and she pulls it off. She's very effective, as is Ed Harris who's always reliable even when dealing with weak material. It's Kiefer Sutherland who has the toughest role here, and he almost raises the bar on disgusting, impossibly unlikeable villains. He has some strong, commanding moments here, and not for the first time, I came close to recommending the film.

But, it's not good enough to make you forget that you're being manipulated, and that may be its fatal flaw. It's also full of suspicious moments that just don't ring true, including the ending.

This would have been OK as just another "Deathwish" clone, but this just tries too hard to be respectable. It's very watchable, but the more distasteful aspects are just too hard to swallow.