If you're a fan of the erotic thriller, this one works and works well. Yes, you've seen it before. Yes, there are no surprises. Yes, Virginia Madsen is hot hot hot-- not nearly as psycho as THE HOT SPOT but is dead on contender for the Kim Novak / VERTIGO prize as the cool ice queen with the ability to melt the screen. What a great noir style film, even though it's predictable and clichéd by today's standards. Hell, this was old back when it was made in 1989! Treat Williams plays a private detective set up to take the fall for the murder of Virginia Madsen's wealthy husband. This isn't rocket science, but it is a fun ride. Except-- until you get to the end. No real spoilers here, but the ending plays out in broad daylight, no thrills, no surprises, no tension. Sorry to see that. It almost feels rushed and faked, as if the original ending was too oblique and the producers whipped up this dumb ass replacement at the last minute. It ruined an otherwise decent little thriller.
12 Reviews
Descent thriller, standout performance.
apelqvistante23 March 2022
Its a descent thriller. Treat Williams, Virginia Madsen and Richard Masur are ok in this :). It has a standout performance by David Paul Cutler, aka D Justin Cole. He was really, really bad as the rental car rep. Im glad to see that this is his only movie. Phew! Dont trust the reviews made by his friends/relatives.
Overall, A Decent Modern 'Noir'
ccthemovieman-126 August 2006
I believe "neo-noir" is what they call it when it's a modern-day film and in color but has the feel of a film noir. That's what this is, and it was pretty representation of that genre. The main thing is the story holds your interest, although the ending of this film cannot live up to its buildup.
Virginia Madsen plays a Marilyn Monroe-lookalike. Seeing her as blonde was odd, but I can't complain looking at her figure and her smile, which I've always thought was one of Hollywood's best. Meanwhile, Treat Williams is effective as the private eye. He looks the part. The music in here, featuring jazz trumpet, is great film noir stuff. I liked this movie.
Virginia Madsen plays a Marilyn Monroe-lookalike. Seeing her as blonde was odd, but I can't complain looking at her figure and her smile, which I've always thought was one of Hollywood's best. Meanwhile, Treat Williams is effective as the private eye. He looks the part. The music in here, featuring jazz trumpet, is great film noir stuff. I liked this movie.
Virginia Madsen is HOT enough to burn someone
wrbtu7 May 2003
I enjoyed this film as a modern Film Noir. Virginia Madsen is very
sexy (probably at her peak here), a good actress, & has the look of
a 1940s starlet. I can't be as positive about Treat Williams, who
seems a bit out of his element here. The plot is satisfying,
although it's been done before, & done better. If you're a fan of
Madsen's, you'll be happy with this film. If you don't like her, you
may be disappointed with the movie. I rate it 8/10, mostly based on
the heat generated by Madsen & the style of the film.
sexy (probably at her peak here), a good actress, & has the look of
a 1940s starlet. I can't be as positive about Treat Williams, who
seems a bit out of his element here. The plot is satisfying,
although it's been done before, & done better. If you're a fan of
Madsen's, you'll be happy with this film. If you don't like her, you
may be disappointed with the movie. I rate it 8/10, mostly based on
the heat generated by Madsen & the style of the film.
"Smallville" is next for D. Justin Cole
djustincole1 December 2006
What a surprise! I had no idea I was included with such notables as Virginia Madsen and Treat Williams. "Third Degree Burn" was a great project and I feel privileged and honored to have been included among two such fine actors. My goal on "Third Degree Burn" was to do the best with what I was provided. It was obvious Virginia Madsen was going places fast and Treat Williams was destined for stardom as well. My New Goal is to be cast on "Smallville" as Senator Martha Kent's new love interest and Clark's future Step Father. A Positive Attitude and Great Sense of Humor can carry an actor a long way! Thank You IMDb. You are the Biggest and Best Movie Database on the Planet Earth! Thank You Everyone for your kind and flattering comments. Sincerely, Kal-El's Future Dad, D.Justin Cole formerly known as David Paul Cutler
Treat Williams's presence and Virginia Madsen is convincing.
lionel.willoquet2 July 2001
The singular fate of a detective victim of a trap stirred up by a grasping woman. It is necessary to wait almost for the end of the film so that the intrigue is finally put. In the meantime, one misses, in spite of the presence of Treat Williams and Virginia Madsen ("Hot to Trot").
Rental Agent a Surprising Plus
littlelake15773 October 2006
This is the first I've seen of David Paul Cutler. His treatment of this character was astounding. I came across this film recently in search of Virgina Madsen films and was lucky enough to discover another possible favorite actor. Hope to see more of him soon in a larger role. He's got the"look" for numerous roles, including, hopefully, leading man. Kudos to the casting rep for finding David Paul Cutler! If anyone has seen this actor in other more recent films, please discuss his performance. Despite David's contribution to the film, I think the movie as a whole needed a little more development of some of its bit role players as this would have provided much more depth to the plot.
I've located David Paul Cutler aka D. Justin Cole!
djcfkadpcjustin15 November 2006
After reading his resume, including addresses in Park City, Ut and Oracle, Az, I began a search on the slopes at The Canyons and Park City Mountain Resort. Voila, Cutler is a snowboarder. Where else would he be? He was kind enough to take a break and speak with me at length. He had just returned from Brazil where he had been sand boarding and kayaking with his friend Osvaldo and was very appreciative to have someone listen to his travels and adventures. He is currently living in Park City, snowboarding and furthering his acting career. He feels that Being a Union Actor in a Right To Work State has it's challenges and pit falls. I've never met someone with such a positive attitude combined with a terrific sense of humor. I can think of no one other than David Paul Cutler who would best be deserving of huge success in the competitive industry of movies and entertainment. He also informed me that he had changed his legal name to D. Justin Cole. He cannot hide, he must not hide! We desperately need actors of his caliber!
Unknown Actor is on his way to the top
noid7299721 September 2006
The Car Rental Rep played by newcomer David Paul Cutler was brilliant. His ad-libbed arguing scene with Virginia Madsen was flawless and as surprising as Bronson Pinchot's character in Beverly Hills Cop! Our baby boomer generation will look forward to seeing much more of this rising star and Redford look-a-like! It's refreshing to see new All-American faces in this era of "same genre" casting. The future holds promises and rewards for aspiring actors such as David Paul Cutler. Let me be the first to yell, "Bravo". Cutler brought Madsen's character to life in a way only a novice could accomplish. If only he were in the hotel room scene with Madsen could this have been a better performance! Encore, Encore!
New Leading Man for Madsen!
dion7299717 October 2006
Thank You HBO. Pay per view has never been better on a cold rainy night! Now that Treat Williams has a successful hit series and Virginia Madsen has become a virile man's dream, it is now time for David Paul Cutler to get his just rewards. His reaction to Ms Madsen moving around inside her spaghetti string sun dress was as erotic as Virginia herself. The rental counter hid the better part of his performance and assured an R rating, thank goodness! HBO can keep "Tales From The Crypt" but keep Cutler up and coming. Waiting for his next unique character will be a deserved trial but well worth the time. After seeing what she did to David Paul Cutler, I will always prefer Virginia as a Blonde! I may have located Cutler in Park City, Utah. Now the work begins. I'll keep you posted. Anybody know a good snowboard instructor? "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!"
High School Reunion Debuts Actor Classmate
noid129 November 2006
"Third Degree Burn" provided more than just great entertainment a la Virginia Madsen and Treat Williams. I was surprised to see an old and very close child hood buddy, D. Justin Cole, formerly known as David Paul Cutler. After watching his performance with Virginia Madsen we were hoping he would attend our 25 year Greendale High School Reunion. In Greendale, Wisconsin. He did! The years have been better to him than most. "American Graffiti", "Happy Days", "Lavern and Shirley" and "That Seventies Show" are mirror images of our lives in Greendale, Wisconsin. We now have a hometown friend and brother who is going places in the movie business. Dave has never failed to surprise and astound us with his ability to achieve what ever he set as a goal. His character in "Third Degree Burn" was only a stepping stone to a very successful acting career. Currently he is "snowed-in" up in Park City, Utah getting ready for another great snowboard riding season and Sundance Film Festival. Time is on his side!
Smallville needs D. Justin Cole as Husband, Role Model and New Blood on Kent Farm!
dion72997-120 December 2006
After watching Third Degree Burn I welcome the addition of David Paul Cutler aka D. Justin Cole to Smallville as a New Love Interest and Husband for Martha Kent, a Role Model and Father Figure for Clark and a Shot of New Blood and Electricity for the Kent Farm. One can only hope that Lionel Luthor meets his end in a fitting way before and without causing too much damage to Martha, Clark and the Kent Farm. Cutler's addition to the Smallville Cast would be a refreshing leap into a new story line and open doors to Clark's development as a truly Ethical and Moral Man. Also, a new face in the series would, For Sure, Enliven the Overall Values of Truth, Justice and The American Way.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
