An Ordinary Killer (2003)

Fantastic!

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

I was enthralled by "An Ordinary Killer," the story of a search for a serial murderer, and frankly, I'm usually I'm much put off by all the "serial killer" movies we get flooded with all the time. This one, though, was different (and based on a true story). It was more than just a whodunit or a "sympathy for the victims' friends and family" type film, though those elements were there. DJ Perry does an excellent job playing a detective, Lynn Kendall, who doggedly looks for a criminal that knows no bounds of "ordinary" human decency. However, the murderer does not seem like an evil monster either but just a plain somebody like you and me. Kendall ultimately comes to realize the potential monster lurks in all of us, though cloaked in everyday garb. His slow realization of this truth forms his arc as a character. Kendall, instead of becoming cynical, ends with hope, knowing that although the beast lurks within humanity, there is also heroism and sacrifice in us all, which triumphs over this evil. "An Ordinary Killer," though not a "big story" or complex drama, is not just an "ordinary" murder mystery either. At it heart, it's a morality tale, a voyage of discovery that urges us onward to see the good, as well as evil, residing in every human soul.

I can see what this film was intending to do. Unfortunately it just never quite completes the deal. The "reality crime" aspect works fine and the shots are all first rate. In fact quite a few of the scenes are incredibly evocative in a moody sort of way. Notably the silhouette of the detective talking to the beat up woman, the scene of the detectives going through the garbage, and the father tying flies. On occasion s few scenes bog down in too much dialog. Instead of showing the viewer the writer treats it too much like a book. But the real problem lies in the editing. The story does not flow. It fails to make a whole out of the sum of the parts. In the end you are confused as to what is actually happening. Those who like this sort of detective movie like to follow along, piecing together the puzzle at the same time the lead characters do. With such poor editing it is difficult if not nearly impossible to do this.

I recently watched this and to be honest I wasn't expecting much after reading a few reviews from another site. I have to admit though that although not a Hollywood caliber movie it was not bad. The acting was decent and the story was interesting, although I had never heard of this crime before. Also, my hat is off to Mr. Perry. I have read some of the comments on this site about him and really don't understand the viciousness of some of them. I don't know Mr. Perry, never met him or anyone associated with his company. But I can tell you that it appears he is doing what he loves to do, and that in itself is a win for him. Mr. Perry, misery loves company and from what I've read there are a lot of miserable people posting here that maybe are jealous that they don't have a career they love as you do. Keep on keeping on Mr. Perry and don't mind the "haters".

I was fortunate to see An Ordinary Killer on it's premiere night! This movie was so well written, produced and portrayed withso many details to take in, I went back to see it for a 2nd time! I was highly impressed w/ the quality of this film, from the great cast of characters and moving/chilling storyline to the captivating narration and filming. It seems as though, every detail was thought of from hair and make-up (especially impressed with the age progressions of the characters),to the scenes and wardrobe. It puts you right there...and it's real! I still get chills when I think about it! If you enjoy movies based on true stories and full of intrigue, drama and a touch of humor with twists and turns that keep you guessing as to who did it...then this one is for you!