Fate (1990) User Reviews

An Absolute Disaster!

[inkblot11 · 1/10 · 29 January 2004]

Jake (Stuart Paul), an aspiring writer and movie director, happens to sight a pretty woman, Chelly (Cheryl M. Lynn) on the streets. Thinking she would be perfect for his next film, Jake convinces her to spend time with him. Chelly is a troubled soul, however, with an upsetting past and an alcohol problem. This makes their relationship an up and down sort of affair. Jake keeps consulting ouija boards, fortune tellers, falling stars, etc. to determine if Chelly is fated for him. Will Jake make the movie and cast Chelly as his leading lady in life as well?

This has to be one of the worst movies ever produced. The script seems written by a teenage writer with ADD, the acting is abysmal, and the overall production is ugly and flawed. Even the loving Jewish family surrounding Jake hits a sour note. Any potential viewer should run for his or her life if the video ever appears on the shelves of the local film store.

Self-indulgence

[lor_ · 12 June 2023]

My review was written in December 1990 after watching the movie on Academy video cassette.

Filmmaker Stuart Paul continues to wear his heart on his sleeve with "Fate", a cutesy romantic fable for fans with a sentimental bias.

As with his previous vehicle "Emanon", Paul is attempting to create a cinema of uplift, showing the potential spirituality of lumpen characters. Since he insists on starring in the central role, the litmus test of whether one likes these films depends on acceptance of his nebbishy character.

Paul plays an aspiring writer who bumps into his dream girl Cheryl M. Lynn (also star of "Emanon") and pursues her for the rest of the pic. His cutesy family and friends pad out the overlong feature, which has a whimsical sense of humor to cut through the more saccharine segments.

Payoff that Paul, with the aid of a Ouija board, acquires the ability to create miracles, is silly.

Lynn has good looks and charm, but her dramatic acting here is of the soap opera variety. Guest star Susannah York briefly perks things up.