Dead End (1999) User Reviews

a good thriller

[trashgang · 5/10 · 28 October 2011]

This Australian flick isn't that bad after all. I found it at a sell-out classified under horror but I couldn't find any horror elements in it but it's really a good thriller with some bloody murders.

It was the director Iren Koster first attempt to make a flick. It isn't bad to watch you just want to know what's going on. But the overall look of the flick is that it looks like an television flick. But not one to watch with the whole family. I come back to that later. The acting wasn't that bad either looking at William Snow (Brotherhood Of Blood) having his first role outside a TV movie. He is believable. His opponent is Victoria Hill having her first role ever. She was believable too.

By having a TV movie look you should think that it's watchable on a Saturday night with your family. I won't do that because for children it could be a bit too rough. The killings are a bit rough sometimes but never are that bloody or gory. But you will have for example a hook smashed into somebodies neck. They do show some killings and by doing that it's not watchable for under sixteens. Further on there's even some nudity and even full frontal nudity from Victoria Hill and she do reveal it all. And that happens a few times during this thriller.

It's really a who-dun-it, a bit like Dressed To Kill you will see what I mean. A good effort nevertheless and surely one to see.

Gore 1/5 Nudity 2,5/5 Story 3/5 Effects 2/5 Comedy 0/5

Effective Thriller

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 16 February 2015]

In Melbourne, the former detective Todd Russell (William Snow) quitted the police force after an unsolved serial-killer case that has deeply affected him. Ten years later, Todd has become a successful writer, writing best-sellers about his cases. He lives with Lori Peterson (Victoria Hill) and has an assistant, Ben Sykes (Matthew Dyktynski). Todd has strong headaches and discovers that he was adopted after the death of his biological mother. When a copycat killer is investigated by Detective Inspector Wolcott (Peter Hardy) and Special Agent Seaver (Michael Edward-Stevens), they seek-out Todd that refuses to collaborate claiming that he was traumatized by the case ten years ago. Now Todd becomes the prime suspect of the police.

"Dead End" is an effective thriller with a good story. The screenplay builds the tension but there are few characters probably due to the restrained budget and it is not difficult to disclose who might be the serial-killer. Despite the fake reviews in IMDb, it is worthwhile watching this movie. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "A Décima Vítima" ("The Tenth Victim")

A captivating, intriguing, extremely sexy film made in Australia

[Abbey_01 · 7/10 · 15 July 2003]

I couldn't stop watching this film. The story and look of Dead End kept me captivated. I have to say it has some of the most memorable sex scenes I've ever seen in a film. All done with utmost in quality and good taste. My friend told me about it and I'm happy I bought a copy of it on the Internet, it was well worth the money.

Loads of fun

[widowgonewild · 7/10 · 11 April 2005]

Dead End is loads of fun to watch. It keeps you in suspense until the very end. I'd recommend this film to anyone who enjoys a good mystery. A great addition to anyone's DVD collection. You'll enjoy re-watching this thriller to see what clues you missed along the way, and to find that you are just as surprised the second, or third time around. The romantic scenes between the stars is hot and steamy. Excellent direction all around, and the cast is superb. I can't wait to see more films from this writer/director. It's great to see some new talent that has great stories to tell. It's not often that you're shocked at the end. Great job!

Will Snow Should Do More ...

[WSRBFan · 7/10 · 13 March 2004]

Will Snow, as a former police inspector turned author, has great charisma as well has being a very handsome man. The Australian actor does as well as he can with what he is given in this low budget movie but he is hampered by bad writing and weak direction.

The pluses in this movie include Todd Russell's (Snow's) confrontation with his adopted Mother about his real mother. He comes across as conflicted but still kind and understanding. He also takes on the role of a man, being slowly poisoned, having horrible headaches, and behaving erratically very well. You're not certain if Russell really is a homicidal killer or if the stress and all the death and destruction around him is getting the better of his psyche. Or ... if there is a true mystery a foot.

The minuses: The brutal violence and language in the movie is a bit over the top. In some parts it's rather ridiculous and gratuitous.

The sex scenes between Russell and his girlfriend, Laurie, while steamy are also forced. And - well - their relationship is wholly uninteresting. Simply stated, Snow and Hill had no chemistry. We've seen Will Snow work well with other actresses, most notably beautiful Rachel Blakely who starred with him on THE LOST WORLD and TALES OF THE SOUTH SEAS, and sizzle but it seems to take a special talent to bring out the best in Will Snow.

All in all, DEAD END is worth the price simply to work out the mystery and see Will Snow do something a little different than we've ever seen him in -- but Oscar material it aint.

Surprisingly well made thriller from Australia

[actingcoachla · 8/10 · 26 March 2004]

I've been an acting coach in Los Angeles for over 25 years and had some students that went on to greatness. With that said, Dead End has a fine ensemble cast. Key word here is: Believable! This film although not a big budget picture fulfills all the aspects of one. The production value, locations, music are first rate. The Director keeps the story moving and has you guessing through to the very end. I believe that the only reason for good acting and good story is because of the written word. The Screenplay. Considering the thrillers that are current like Stephan King's Secret Window to the classics from Hitchcock, Dead End is comparable. A special mention that the sex scenes are steamy and the violence tame compared to some of the slasher movies. William Snow is star material, I hope someone finds him.

Engaging thriller with excellent acting performances

[dylanpatrickdyln · 7/10 · 3 May 2003]

I would like to know how one person found the acting great, but the script not? How is that possible? I think the script was well written and the characters were unique and flushed out to where you wanted to watch each one of them. Direction was first class and the locations will have you wanting to travel to Australia. I recommend this film highly.

Realistic leg shaking thriller

[hystrcl · 7/10 · 27 July 2002]

Well made film with excellent performances from all the Australian actors. The locations are especially unique and I'm looking forward to going to Australia now. This film kept me thinking all the way through the ending. I recommend it highly. The lead actor, William Snow should be a major star.

Dead End Takes You to the Limit and Then Some

[julivet · 8/10 · 27 March 2004]

I am a big fan of thrillers and I have to say that Dead End fulfills all of your expectations if you want to make your heart race and jump out of your seat. It's also a film where you'll find yourself wondering just who the real killer is. I'm usually good at figuring out what's going to happen next. However, this does not fit the formula. It has too many red herrings to sidetrack your thinking. In fact, I had no clue until the ending where we finally see just who the culprit really is. I thought the story was exceptional, the actors are terrific and the movie looks really good. You have to love the Australian locations. This film would make a great poster for tourism. Oh yeah, there's a scene where the two lead actors are driving around having dinner in a tram car restaurant. That was the first time I've ever seen anything like that. Talk about romantic. But beware if your faint hearted, some of the murder sequences are graphic and the sex scenes are very sexy. I would say done with good taste but still very sexy. If you want a great ride into the world of psychological thrillers, then Dead End is a good bet. I recommend it highly.

An excellent psychological thriller that's as good as they come.

[buggybeanskala · 9/10 · 24 January 2004]

I was pleasantly surprised by this well done thriller. I usually can predict instinctively who the killer is, but this time I was totally fooled. Clever writing and well directed. The Australian actors are excellent. Top notch production value with locations that are gorgeous. I recommend this movie to all Hitchcock and thriller fans.

Very Well Done.

[RichardLPackard · 10/10 · 1 August 2002]

I didn't know what to expect when I sat down to watch this movie but I must say I was pleasantly surprised. The acting, directing & locations are first rate. Would be a sure hit in the states if big name actors were involved. Bottom Line: Definitely worth seeing.

Jumped Out Of My Seat!

[Savannah9809 · 10/10 · 28 July 2002]

This thriller was truly scary. I found myself jumping a lot during the film. Acting was very believable and the story was captivating. I watched this film with three of my friends and we all enjoyed it. Special attention to William Snow for his performance and especially good looks.

I am a big fan of suspense films.

[tinerlook · 9/10 · 14 December 2003]

I am a big fan of suspense films and novels, and enjoy a mystery with a twist. This film kept my attention and kept me in suspense until the very end. It is not often that I am still "in the dark" until the end of a film. This film was well written and directed and is a film that I would like to see over and over again. It was excellently done!

Fabulous movie!

[e_shum · 8/10 · 1 December 2003]

This is a wonderfully crafted, small independent picture. I was pleasantly surprised. It's as good as they come! The leader actor, William Snow is a star in the making. The locations, script, and directions are all top notch. This movie is a must see.

Well acted. If this had big names it would be a classic.

[andrewwbaum · 9/10 · 18 February 2002]

I thought this movie was well planned out. Nicely acted, written and directed. If there were name stars in this picture, it would be a classic thriller. All the actors are Australian and the production value and locations are first rate. I enjoyed it and would recommend it. If you're a fan of Hitchcock, it shouldn't be missed. It does have some nudity but I thought it was done in good taste.

Loved every minute of it

[dschwarcz · 8/10 · 1 August 2006]

Iren Koster is a real auteur. Full of ideas that are realized on the screen with genuine skill and vision. Full of action and excitement.

This is the hallmark of the Koster directorial approach. I unqualifiedly recommend this film all film aficionados who really enjoy entertainment and a thriller.

These Australian actors are comparable to the finest American actors. Enjoyed the locations and great production value.

I read that Koster's next project is the action comedy "Perfect Partners". I am looking forward to viewing it on the big screen.

Koster has a knack for nabbing "A" talent like Eddie Griffin and Michael Clarke Duncan.

An exciting thriller worth seeing!

[eagleflair · 9/10 · 12 May 2004]

What a great surprise to see such an exciting thriller from Australia! William Snow's performance was wonderful, as were the rest of the casts' performances. The story's twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat! It is rare these days to not know who the villain is until the very end of the film. It was like being back in the days of Alfred Hitchcock. Though the violence was somewhat graphic at times, as was the sexual content, it was appropriately done for the progression of the story line. And, what a bonus to have such beautiful scenery from Australia. Plus, a pleasant soundtrack. Applause needs to go to the writer/director for a job well done. I hope to see more great films from him in the future.

A well made suspense/thriller from the land down under.

[pbrandt7 · 10/10 · 9 April 2002]

Dead End is a well-crafted suspense/thriller from Australia. This is a lower budget film and doesn't have all of the Hollywood special effects that so often lure viewers to the box office, but it does have a well-written script and solid acting. I particularly liked the Australian actress Victoria Hill who plays Lori Peterson and does a very nice job acting - both clothed and unclothed. This film has the most important element in a suspense/thriller - an unpredictable ending. If you like smartly written "Hitchcockian" mysteries, you will like Dead End.

Meticulously crafted, and so underrated.

[sanford2hampton · 8/10 · 13 March 2003]

Here is a movie that far surpasses most of the fare in its genre, but unfortunately due to the Aussie casting - who did a splendid job - it won't be seen by the masses. Have to hope for word of mouth. The direction and writing is truly exceptional. I really enjoyed it.

A true thriller in the style of Brian De Palma and Hitchcock.

[punchkle · 9/10 · 29 October 2002]

I found this movie quite intriguing. I usually find myself losing interest unless the film is well written and captivating. This is the case with Dead End. I was impressed that the filmmaker could mount a picture that is so visually stimulating and the narrative so believable at a budget that isn't like most Hollywood faire. Kudos to the writer-director.

Murder Suspense Thriller?

[etheral_prey · 26 January 2002]

Will Snow's performance is wonderful in this film, however badly written it is. The actors do try to make the script more believable. It is graphic at times, has too much nudity at times, has some scenes that some may find offensive but then again watching someone get stabbed and killed with blood isn't everyone's cup of tea. Snow is Todd a writer and former cop who's being framed for a murder, basic story line, he figures out who it is, climatic ending, and he gets the girl, happy go lucky in a sense. All the actors here are Aussies, so you gotta love their accent. I was amused by this, at times you wonder who the real killer is....