Review of The Riverman (2004) by Tristan P — 31 Jul 2008
Enjoyable made for cable account of Robert Keppel's consultation of Ted Bundy in the hunt for Gary Ridway, the Green River Killer. The limitations of being a TV movie harm the film somewhat (no violence, restrained dialogue, etc.), making for a somewhat sanitized account. Keppel's book is far more entertaining.
The direction by Bill Eagles (who has the "disntinction" of having helmed the worst Dracula adaptation I have ever seen) basically resembles the work he has done on the CSI episodes he directed. Which works but is kind of obvious and unimaginitive.
In terms of the cast, Cary Elwes does an excellent job playing Bundy. I'm not a fan of his at all but he looks enough like Ted and more importantly takes the role seriously, unlike Michael Reilly Burke (in TED BUNDY), who played the role as a buffoon. The actor who portrays Ridgway (I can't remember his name and it's not listed here) looks REMARKABLY like the real Green River Killer, and does an excellent job of recreating Ridgway's mannerisms. On the other hand, Bruce Greenwood is his typical wooden self in the pivotal role of Keppel (he's miscast anyway; the real Bob Keppel looks more like Roger Ebert).
Worth watching if it reruns on A&E, but nothing special.
This review of The Riverman (2004) was written by Tristan P on 31 Jul 2008.
The Riverman has generally received mixed reviews.
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