Edgar Allan Poe is probably the most abused author in history. While his works are regarded as literary classics, movies based on his books or short stories are often b-grade, at best. This movie is no exception.
I haven't read the Poe short story but I am sure it would be fairly unrecognisable from this movie. The central plot is okay but the sub-plots and detours are often nonsensical and random.
Direction is sloppy, while trying (and failing) to be clever. The whole movie feels like a late-night made-for-TV movie.
Acting is so-so. The presence of Eric Roberts should tell you this is crap. Michael Madsen must be desperate to be in this. Madsen and Roberts are minor supporting actors, however. The leads are unknowns, which says a lot.
Avoid.
I haven't read the Poe short story but I am sure it would be fairly unrecognisable from this movie. The central plot is okay but the sub-plots and detours are often nonsensical and random.
Direction is sloppy, while trying (and failing) to be clever. The whole movie feels like a late-night made-for-TV movie.
Acting is so-so. The presence of Eric Roberts should tell you this is crap. Michael Madsen must be desperate to be in this. Madsen and Roberts are minor supporting actors, however. The leads are unknowns, which says a lot.
Avoid.