Review of Family Plot (1976) by Tyler M — 03 Dec 2007
Isn't it touching how a perfect murder has kept our friendship alive all these years...
For one of Hitchcoks later films, I was moderately impressed. This one actually focused more on story than sex or violence.
The Story: Two con artists are searching for the bastard child and living heir to a rich woman, and two kidnapper/jewel theives are on the loose, collecting ransom for the rich and poweful. It moves along at a fairly swift pace, although it's missing the style of his older films, and once again the women are missing that sense of elegeance and beauty. But for the most part it's a pretty intriguing story if only a bit long winded at times. Although it's not quite as cinematically strong, there is a car scene that really stands out, and almost upped the score of the film over all.
The Cast: William Devane, Barbara Harris, Bruce Dern...William Davane is the villain here, not really all that great, but still good. He doesn't really strike fear into the viewer and you won't really feel a connection to him. Barbara Harris is one of the con-artists. She's the loveable, sex starved, fake fortune teller, with a heart of gold. Once again not bad but not great. Bruce Dern, plays the her counterpart, the male con artist. He's the only one that really establishes a solid connection with the viewer, as you'll follow him thoughout most of the film. This cast isn't the most solid but it's not soft either.
One to Five Scale: 3.
Don't expect one of his greatest outings here, but fans will enjoy it's story, even if it's missing the signature style, grace and elegance of the leading ladies.
Tyler.
11/05/05.
This review of Family Plot (1976) was written by Tyler M on 03 Dec 2007.
Family Plot has generally received positive reviews.
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