D.O.A.

A burned-out college professor, Eddie Kurnitz, is brutally murdered and left for dead, only to awaken with a strange, glowing shard embedded in his neck. He discovers he has been poisoned with a slow-acting toxin and has only a limited time to find his killer and exact revenge. Pursued by shadowy figures and aided by a mysterious woman named Runyon, Eddie races against time through the neon-drenched streets of Los Angeles.

D.O.A. was met with mixed to negative reviews from critics and a lukewarm response from audiences. While some praised its stylish visuals and Dennis Quaid's energetic performance, many found the plot convoluted and underdeveloped. The film's attempt at a neo-noir thriller vibe was often overshadowed by its perceived lack of originality and coherence.

• Visually stylish with a kinetic energy, but ultimately a convoluted and derivative thriller.

• Dennis Quaid delivers a committed performance, but the film struggles with a muddled plot and uneven pacing.

• A forgettable attempt at a modern noir that fails to capture the genre's essence.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight Dennis Quaid's performance as a strong point and appreciate the film's visual flair. However, many find the story confusing and less engaging than expected for a thriller.

The distinctive glowing shard embedded in Dennis Quaid's neck was achieved using a special effect involving a small, illuminated prop that was later composited into the film.