Panic (2000)

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Beautiful, moving film.

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

A stellar cast gone to waste. The films pacing was horrible. The script had excellent qualities and yet this director was unable to show honest believable people who had a reason to interact. I felt nothing for any of these people. This film had no resemblance to life. Even a life this weird had no real feeling. I don't understand why this "tragic mess" of human beings could not be made darkly funny. This movie was not comedy, dark or otherwise. I witnessed a disastrous attempt to revive the characters and every time a character showed any signs of life, that life was snuffed out and pointless. It surprises me that this film is so highly rated and the reviews are so effusive. Panic had no real passion.

"Panic" is an excellent drama. Macy plays Alex, who is a hit-man. He wants to retire, but his Dad, Michael (Sutherland) won't let him...without a fight. Alex is having a nervous breakdown and goes to a psychologist, Dr. Parks (John Ritter) When Michael hears about this, he puts out a hit on Parks."Panic" was dumped on video for no reason. It's definitely a hidden gem. The whole cast is fantastic. Macy and Sutherland are perfect in their roles. Sutherland's character stands out. Even when Michael is opening a birthday present, he looks menacing.Tracy Ullman plays Alex's wife. She also does a good job at developing her character throughout the film."Panic" is a movie you should look out for, if you like the actors involved.For more insanity, please visit: comeuppancereviews.com

Barely-released low-budget drama stars William H. Macy as a married, unhappy hit-man who goes into therapy and falls in love with a quirky young woman he meets in the waiting room. Sounds like a comedy, but is actually a very somber, thoughtful, occasionally ponderous character-study. As a showcase for the quizzical, sad-eyed Macy, it certainly isn't bad--a holding pattern for bigger acting triumphs. Good supporting performances by Neve Campbell and, most especially, Tracey Ullman (terrific as Macy's wife); child actor Brad Dorfman is unsettling as their child. Although the film ultimately falls a bit short, it's not without interest and has some memorable scenes. ** from ****

What a surprising treat to come across on late television. Had I only read a brief plot rundown on a television listing before seeing the movie, I would have passed. The idea of a movie about a hit-man-seeing-a shrink-wanting-to leave-the-business-and-falling-in-love....sounds trite. But the film works. From the start of the movie, it's clear the man carries a weight on his shoulders, before he even says a word. The look and feel of the film is perfect. dark, but not obnoxiously so.Aside from the hit-man family aspect which provides a touch of surrealism, Macy's character grapples with his marriage, and his father's control. Macy shows a repressed sadness, and his bedtime talks with his young son are amazing. The young boy shows acting skills well beyond his years, and the interaction between the father and son is so very natural, personal and loving.This is one of the best movies I've seen in a while, and I can't believe I came across it by accident on late night television.