Review of The Mean Season (1985) by Allan C — 17 Apr 2014

Kurt Russell is a Miami reporter investigating a string of murders when he is contacted by a man claiming to be the killer. Russell and the killer then begin a bizarre relationship where each begins using the other for fame and personal gain.

The film starts out as a very credible and engaging thriller, and posing some interesting questions eventually about who is using who, but is unfortunately becomes quite ridiculous and far fetched, which turns it into pretty much any of the serial killer films of the late 80s, early 90s, although this one does get credit for being one of the first in that far fetched mold.

There an excellent Lalo Schifrin score. There's also a solid supporting cast that includes Mariel Hemingway as Russell's girlfriend, Richard Masur as Russell's editor and there's also Joe Pantoliano, Andy Garcia and my personal favorite character actor of ALL TIME, William Smith.

Although Smith only has one scene, that dude is just awesome! I really wish he was in more high profile of films. He wasn't pretty, but he's a big screen presence who more people should appreciate.