Review of The Trigger Effect (1996) by Jeff B — 01 May 2012

Intrusion of space spark tension. Power failure cause many hiccups in everyday life. Quite a good thriller in another form but ending seems to be abrupt. The opening sequence is a long continue shot of different strangers interaction that cause slight tension. Kyle MacLachlan & Elisabeth Shue left the cinema and returning home, their baby girl is having fever. At night the whole town encounter power failure. Next morning, the fever is worse and power not restored. Kyle drive to the supermart to get medicine but is deny by pharmacist for not having a prescription. Even the hospital deny him. So he return back to the store and steal the medicine. Their friend Dermot Mulroney visits them and said about looting and chaos out there. Elisabeth ask him to stay with them for the time being. He suggest to buy a gun for protection and Kyle also agree even though he hate guns. They bought a shotgun at triple the price. Actually both guys don't really see eye to eye. Drinking alcohol at home, Elisabeth told Dermot about Kyle stealing the medicine and he isn't happy about it. While asleep, Dermot wakes them up and says someone broke into the house. The burglar is in the kitchen and they ambush him outside the garage. He is going to leave but the neighbor Bill Smitrovich shot the burglar with his rifle. He know the guy only got a switchblade but still kills him. Bill quickly plant a gun into the burglar hand. The cops came and Kyle has to lie for him. Neighbors held a meeting to suggest how to defend their area and it didn't work out for everyone is rather selfish. They are going to Elisabeth folks home way out of town and will need gas along the way. Elisabeth and Dermot kiss for awhile at night in kitchen and she quickly withdraw. At the petrol station, Michael Rooker stops by and ask Richard T. Jones for gas. He says no to him. When Dermot stops the car for refuel, there's another car at the side of the road and looks abandon. But Michael is resting inside. He ask if he can hitch their ride. Elisabeth didn't like it and Dermot saw a gun in his pocket. He signal to Kyle to reject him and escape fast later. Dermot get the shotgun but Michael shot him first. He only want the ride and steal their car drove off. They are all now stranded and Dermot is injured. Kyle teach Elisabeth how to use the shotgun and walks back to the farmhouse for help. The house belongs to Richard and he didn't help Kyle as story is far fetch and tension is high. Kyle go back to take the shotgun and return to the farmhouse, planing to steal the car. Both guys point their gun at each other and Richard's daughter came out. Kyle feels bad and leave his shotgun down and took the car key. Richard offer to drive him. Dermot load up to.

Ambulance and finally peace is restored.