Movie spotlight
To Make a Killing
Damon Kennedy (Tamblyn Lord, The River Kings) is an impressionable young man ready to begin university life. On the other side of the tracks live Terry (Craig Pearce, co-author of Strictly Ballroom), Felix (John Godden) and Benny (Kelly Dingwall) — who get their kicks out of robbing houses and chasing girls. But they're broke and all out of cash. During a routine burglary the gang discover an innocent Damon. Brushing off the intrusion and pretending they are looking for some mates, the gang flee the scene but bored Damon follows them and joins their group for the day, hoping to find some fun.When the gang picks up two girls, things become unhinged as a drunk Damon brags about some of his family's many affluent friends. Forced to take them to one of his cash-rich contacts, Damon's nightmare has only just begun. As Terry discovers that the wealthy don't always carry cash, what starts as a burglary soon turns into a killing spree.
Insights
Plot Summary
A washed-up private investigator is hired by a mysterious woman to find her missing husband. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a complex web of deceit, corruption, and murder that stretches to the highest levels of the city's elite. He finds himself in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, where trust is a luxury he cannot afford and survival is the only prize.
Critical Reception
To Make a Killing received a mixed to negative reception from critics. While some praised its noir atmosphere and initial intrigue, many found the plot convoluted and the pacing uneven. Audience reactions were similarly divided, with some enjoying the suspenseful elements and others criticizing its predictable twists.
What Reviewers Say
The film attempts a gritty neo-noir style but struggles with a convoluted and often predictable plot.
While some actors deliver solid performances, the screenplay ultimately undermines the potential of the thriller elements.
The atmosphere is occasionally effective, but it's not enough to overcome the narrative weaknesses.
Google audience: Google users found the film to be a somewhat disappointing thriller, with many appreciating the attempt at a classic detective story but feeling let down by a convoluted plot and pacing issues. Some viewers noted that the film failed to deliver the suspense it promised.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on location in Los Angeles, California, with director Alan J. Pakula aiming to capture a dark and moody urban landscape that enhanced the noir feel of the story.
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