Deep Red (1994)

Simply Perfect

A Major Disappointment

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

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

Not bad sci-fi with a touch of film noir, focusing on a haunted, weary character named Joe Keyes (Michael Biehn), a "protector" for hire who's approached by a researcher, Warren Rickman (Tobin Bell) and his family for protection from Rickmans' villainous associate Thomas Newmeyer (John de Lancie), a renowned scientist eager to exploit a unique find: a tiny alien spaceship, part of a bigger one that was blown up in a space battle, that hurtles down to Earth and enters a little girls' bloodstream. This gives her healing / regenerating abilities, and the "deep reds" inside of the child can also be passed on to other people and help them maintain youthful appearances. One can see why Newmeyer would find this "fountain of youth" so alluring. Keyes has to pull himself together long enough to keep Rickmans' wife (Lisa Collins) and daughter (Lindsey Haun), the aforementioned child, safe.Capably directed by Craig R. Baxley ("Action Jackson", "Dark Angel", "Stone Cold"), this is slick enough stuff that entertains well enough for a well paced 85 minutes. It sets itself up with an obvious "Star Wars" homage, then becomes a mystery into which the character of Keyes is dropped. It takes a while before characters start spilling the vital information that Keyes needs to hear. The action, stunts, and special effects are well done. The largely familiar cast also includes such folk as the lovely Joanna Pacula as Keyes' associate Monica Quik, Michael Des Barres as his good friend Lew Ramirez, John Kapelos as grudge bearing cop Mack Waters, Steven Williams as the helpful Detective Sergeant Eldon James, and in a bit, veteran actor Jesse Vint, who'd acted in "Dark Angel" for director Baxley. De Lancie is an effectively nasty villain, but this agreeable bit of escapism really belongs to the under-rated Biehn, who's believable as a depressed man who despairs over an imperfect world that allows tragedies to happen.All in all, this should prove to be some fun for fans of the genre.Seven out of 10.

Disillusioned and down-on-his-luck security expert Joe Keyes (excellently played with spot-on weary cynicism by Michael Biehn) is hired to protect Gracie Rickman (cute Lindsey Haun), a little girl with alien-altered blood who holds the secret to immortality. Sinister scientist Thomas Newmeyer (essayed with deliciously wicked relish by John de Lancie) gives chase. Director Craig R. Baxley, working from a tight and absorbing script by D. Brent Mote, relates the involving plot at a snappy pace, does an able job of creating and sustaining an edgy and mysterious atmosphere in the first third of the picture, and stages the action set pieces with his usual skill and gusto. Moreover, Baxley brings a cool, stylish, and engrossing contemporary film noir sensibility -- flawed and troubled protagonist with a dark past, gritty urban locations, hard-boiled female characters, etc. -- which further adds to the movie's considerable entertainment value. Kudos are also in order for the sound acting by the capable cast: Biehn makes for an appealing reluctant hero, the gorgeous Joanna Pacula is in fine feisty form as Keyes' tough cookie ex-wife Monica Quik, plus there are nice turns by Lisa Collins as Gracie's caring mother Mrs. Rickman, Tobin Bell as paranoid researcher Warren Rickman, Steven Williams as no-nonsense Sargeant Eldon James, John Kapelos as mean, vengeful cop Mark Waters, and Michael Des Barres as Keyes' loyal old partner Lew Ramirez. Joao Fernandes' lively and polished cinematography gives the picture a funky neon look. Gary Chang's moody score likewise does the trick. A real bang-up flick.

There isn't anything wrong with the overall tone, the scene shooting looks good enough and the actors have a fair script it seem so to me. Interesting premises if a little "deux ex machina". It does alter the 'overall tone' as I mentioned i.e. another sciffy is logged for our enjoyment. I like the score, no pop songs or MTV montages here. Biehn is easy on the eyes as is the Polish actress who plays Monica. I like most of the user comments here; My rating is 5/10. To quote a nice scene in the movie, "It felt good tonight didn't it?" There were nice, understated FX. The cheese is more like a condiment than a key ingredient.

I've seen this movie many times and I think it's great. Sci-fi/film noir, how can you go wrong? Michael Biehn, John De Lancie, Steven Williams were all terrific. The effects were pretty good considering the budget (Less than $3M). Not enough humor maybe, but intriguing just the same. But then, I have a vested interest, don't I?