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Blunt Instrument

1981Movie104 minEnglish

A former journalist begins to experience distressing flashbacks, to the alarm of people close to him.

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Insights

IMDb5.9/10
Director: Burt BrinckerhoffGenres: Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A troubled detective investigating a series of gruesome murders becomes increasingly paranoid that the killer is someone close to him. As the body count rises, he must race against time to uncover the truth before he becomes the next victim. The investigation leads him down a dark path of deception and betrayal, blurring the lines between hunter and hunted.

Critical Reception

Blunt Instrument received a mixed to negative reception upon its release. Critics often pointed to its predictable plot and underdeveloped characters, while some acknowledged its suspenseful moments and effective atmosphere. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, with many finding it a standard, albeit somewhat uninspired, thriller.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film attempts to build suspense but often falls short due to a formulaic narrative.
  • Performances are a mixed bag, with some actors struggling to elevate the material.
  • Despite its flaws, it offers occasional moments of genuine tension for genre fans.

Google audience: Audience reviews for Blunt Instrument are scarce, but those available suggest a generally unmemorable thriller that doesn't offer much in the way of originality or lasting impact.

Fun Fact

The film was originally intended to be a theatrical release but was instead distributed as a made-for-television movie.

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