Review of Sea of Love (1989) by Jill P — 06 Mar 2010

Al Pacino plays a New York detective who discovers that a couple of murders in the neighborhood are linked by a lonely hearts column and, after teaming up with John Goodman, a detective from the other side of town, the pair put an advert in the same column in the hope of trapping the killer. There's just one complication though, Pacino doesn't count on is falling in love with the suspect. Enter Helen (Ellen Barkin), she initially appears to be a typical "femme fatale" and her meet-me-at-the-market scene was one of the most interesting shots that bring new meaning to late night grocery shopping!

I am a huge fan of suspense thrillers and I love Al Pacino and am still hooked on his movies. This film has all the right ingredients for an enthralling thriller where the dialogue is very well-written and sounds authentic, particularly the banter between the cops and the "thrilling climax" plot twist at the ending makes up for it being a bit predictable and slow at times. In some way the plot resembles Basic Instinct, though the story is quite different of course but if you like erotic and suspense then this one is worth renting.