Escape Clause (1996)

Purely Joyful Movie!

A Brilliant Conflict

Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.

The first must-see film of the year.

Here we have the old fashioned formula for suspense, mystery and thrills based on the ordinary mans successful life and what can go wrong? Hidden within the story is a story and then another and the points of view from the different players all keep you guessing as if to ask...are they what they are representing to be or is their more to what we see and hear. It follows in the best footsteps of the who dunnit and surely at some point, no one is above suspicion. I personally thought the sex scenes totally unnecessary and overdone and of course there are those that will now watch this for that reason. But those scenes distract and that is not why I gave this a ten. It is a gripper, edge of your seat, pay attention to what's happening type movie. Popcorn, sunflower seeds or tasty snack recommended to keep fingernails out of mouth. Include a tasty drink...enjoy

"Escape Clause" from 1996 is a low-budget film starring Andrew McCarthy, Kate McNeil, and Paul Sorvino.McCarthy is Richard Ramsey, an insurance adjuster and quite well-known in the industry for the "Ramsey Curve" used by insurance companies. He seems to have a great sex life with his wife (McNeil), but out of bed, they have a few problems. One day he receives a phone call from someone who says that Richard's wife hired him to murder him for $10,000. For $20,000, he'll forget about him.When Richard finally goes to meet him, someone shoots the hit-man. Shortly afterward, his wife is found dead.Richard finds himself under suspicion by the lead detective (Paul Sorvino) and tries to find out who is responsible for his situation. There are a few suspects, including his wife's best friend, who has always had a crush on Richard. There is also a Japanese partner who works in the firm and seems to be the new golden boy. Meanwhile, his wife's parents are trying to get custody of his children.I actually thought Andrew McCarthy was pretty good. The character is very volatile and erratic. You could easily see him going off the rails and killing his wife. I could have used a little more back story. Paul Sorvino is good as well. Kate McNeil has a great figure and shows it off.The denouement of this movie is ridiculous. Just know what you're getting into before you watch it.

My main interest in seeing this film was Andrew McCarthy, as I have been a fan since I was a kid.I found the film to have a good story, occasionally predictable, but you will still want to watch till the end to see how everything plays out.Easily watchable, and Andrew McCarthy is brilliant as always. Paul Sorvino puts in a good turn as the cop, although the children are a bit wooden.As long as you dont have high expectations, it will surprise you.

"Escape Clause", with MacCarthy at the center, is a whodunit with the look and feel of a low budget made-for-tv soap. Everything in this flick is too pat to be real which takes some of the umph out of the big climax at the end. Nonetheless, may be worth a watch for those into mysteries with nothing better to do on a rainy night. Catch this very ordinary flick on tv.