Artworks (2003)

User Rating:

5.1/10   

Director:

Jim Amatulli

Writers:

Jim Amatulli (writer)
Lee Watters (writer)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Romance

Plot:

A police chief's daughter, a sales agent for a home-security firm, meets an art gallery owner. Love and envy lead them to hatch a plot to steal overlooked but valuable paintings from her wealthy clients.

Awards:

4 wins

Cast

Virginia Madsen	...	Emma Becker
Rick Rossovich	...	Bret Rogers
Eddie Mills	...	Cory Wells
Daniel von Bargen	...	Howard Deardorf
Matt Miller	...	Bill
Ted Hutton	...	Sammy
Denise Dal Vera	...	Katie Landon
Jefferson Moore	...	Tuck Landon
Nancy Karlsberger	...	Sally Woodstein
Carrie Ragsdale	...	Jill
Dale Hodges	...	Mrs. Watson
Sally Noble Hager	...	Mrs. Palarski
Talia Amatulli	...	Lizzy
Dixie Utter	...	Millie Whitehall
Jane Mowder	...	Detective Hubbard

MPAA:

Rated R for some sexuality and language.

Runtime:

93 min | USA:96 min

Country:

USA

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Certification:

Australia:M | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Company:

ARTE

Ah, well

ARTWORKS offers an interesting premise: a failed artist (Madsen) and a gallery owner (Rossovich) team up to steal paintings from the homes of the wealthy, all of whom are clients of the failed artist, who is currently employed as a home security specialist. Unfortunately, nothing particularly exciting or unusual emerges from this interesting plot line, and the all-too predictable ending rushes up on us, as if the filmmakers had run out of ideas or money, or both. Madsen is watchable, although considering she has several boudoir scenes, this gorgeous woman never completely disrobes, leaving this viewer greatly dissatisfied. Rossovich, who is miscast as a sensitive art lover, unfortunately does disrobe -- and shows no evidence of owning any underwear, which has to be a turnoff for anyone hygienically oriented, male or female. Daniel von Bargen, a great villain from many a past movie, here is miscast as Madsen's soft-spoken daddy, who just happens to be the chief of police. This has to have been made for cable. As such, one could have at least hoped for some steamy sex. If so, one will be greatly disappointed. It ain't here. Just some kissing and semi-clothed clinching that can be seen in any prime time TV show of the last 20 years. Hell, current late-evening, adult-oriented shows like RESCUE ME and NIP TUCK offer far better sex scenes.