Binge watched this 2 part suspense/mystery. Plot is above average, however, acting is sub par, hence the 4 stars. I've not really seen Brooke Shields in any films. Considering she gets a lot of hype about her talent, looks, and Princeton education, I was totally underwhelmed with her abilities...maybe the dialogue was beneath her? The story has a serial killer, multiple murders, aliases, revenge, dysfunctional marriage, lies and more lies, suspense, mystery, plot twists, kidnappings, and political coverups. Who could ask for more in a storyline? If you can ignore Shields' performance and like a suspenseful mystery, you just might like this film.

Lou Diamond Phillips was my draw. This movie had so many twists and turns and gore and violence, it was hard to watch. O love a good mystery and this one did not disappoint in that way. I never guessed it would end the way it did. Phillip Margolin wrote this story and Larry Levinson of Hallmark produced it. I figured the movie would be a good one as all of the movies I have seen of his are usually good. This movie has very violent scenes. The premise of the movie is that a man with perverted tendencies tortures women. I just can not understand how Phillip Morgolin sits at a desk day after day and spins these sadistic tales. Inspired by Perry Mason he spent 25 years as an attorney then decided to write these stories. IF I could be tempted to view a story of this caliber, I guess that speaks to his talent. I usually do not like movies with Brooke Shields but, in my opinion, she did a great job here. Scott Glen as usual plays a good bad guy. Lou Diamond Phillip's rocks and there are many more excellent actors and actresses here. Marilu Henner plays a very convincing Detective. It is presented here as a two part sometimes described as a series but it is a series of parts of a movie, not a tv series. It is a long movie but snaps for the producer as most movies made from books leave much to be desired and far too much left out. I believe all books should be produced into 4 hour movies like this as it will not fail to allow the reader a satisfactory experience in seeing the story they love come to life. I did not read this book but I had read one in the past then viewed the movie and saw this issue again. 2 hours just does not capture the essence of a story. It is an adult movie and I would not advise the mentally and emotionally sensitive to view. One of the characters goes batty after her torture and seeks vengeance. She deserves an award for her part as far as I am concerned. What does one walk away from here. Nothing good, I am afraid. Just another story of the perverted mind of a mad man. However a successful book and movie.

Someone was running a special on cliches when they wrote this one. I grew up on Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, James Ellroy and Mickey Spillane. Any of those guys would have ripped this script out of the typewriter, thrown it in the wire trashcan and gone looking for that bottle of scotch. Great cast but the story line and the dialog were flat. I sat there and I could anticipate just about every line. I'll dig up the book and bury this movie. I'll stick with "Black Dahlia". It's better in every way.

I did not expect much and should note that I don't watch many movies; most of my television viewing consists of BBC mysteries/crime shows (older ones like Poirot, Inspector Morse, Frost, etc.). This movie was suspenseful (not predictable) and the acting was OK. I don't think Brooke Shields or any of the other main actors are great actors, but they were all good enough and believable. I enjoyed the movie and was surprised at the ending (have not read the book, but this makes me want to).

Lovely Sacramento/CA scenery, nice sets with some nicely angled camera shots
Memorable character/role for both Lou Diamond Phillips and Joe Morton.
Joe has less screen time but his Hawaii shirt wearing, guitar playing PI living on a boat, Reggie, is a cool dude.
Good production values and performances from the rest of the cast.

"And why would I have a picture of her"
"Just to make my life easier"
"That's what scotch is for"

And nice reference to: "C'est la vie", say the old folks... you never can tell.

Filmed in 2006, and forgotten, it is unfortunate that it isn't also gone. It is without wonder why there wasn't a second season.

Stiff wooden acting, not that Brooke Shields is capable of much more, but even Scot Glenn and Lou Diamond are poorly done.

The plot plods along in predictable fashion that has been overly done and done better.

You won't miss much is you pass on this one.

The people who gave this movie 4 and 5 stars are nuts, or friends of the actors or directors. So bad I couldn't finish it.
Looks like it has a good story line and it has well known actors. The dialog is bad and they did not do their research, There is no way that a district attorney/prosecutor (in any country) would sit and give information and photos on the investigation to the criminal attorney. That's where it got too stupid to watch!

This keeps you both intrigued and guessing until near the end, and that's a good thing. Acting is top notch, except for the reporter and Brooke Shields—they both bring the movie down to what it is, a movie of the week.