Running Delilah (1994)

Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

How sad is this?

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

"Running Delilah" tries to introduce a female Robocop, of sorts (although this half-human / half-machine heroine is fully conscious of her human part from the beginning), but falls short of the mark. The main problem is the budget, or rather the lack of budget: Delilah is supposed to be a perfect top-secret technological weapon, but she hardly does anything that couldn't also be accomplished by the average trained government agent; there is little evidence of any of her "awesome powers". And because this was probably intended as a pilot for a TV series, it spends most of its time setting up the premise; when Delilah finally goes out on a mission, the film is 3/4 of the way over! Kim Cattrall looks good and acts well, but the always classy Diana Rigg is wasted in a small part (as her new boss). One bonus point, however, for the Marx Brothers reference - see if you can catch it. ** out of 4.

Spunky and beautiful undercover secret agent Delilah (well played with infectiously perky charm by Kim Cattrall) nearly dies after being brutally attacked. However, Delilah is brought back to life as a bionic being with superhuman strength and heightened senses. Director Richard Franklyn, working from a smart and intriguing script by Ron Koslow, relates the absorbing premise at a snappy pace, maintains a satisfying semi-serious tone from start to finish, and delivers some exciting action at the rousing climax. The always welcome presence of Cattrall elevates the quality of this movie a few extra notches; she brings real depth, pathos, and, best of all, a delightfully biting sarcastic humor to her conflicted character. Billy Zane also contributes a fine performance as Delilah's smooth and loyal partner Paul; the sturdy and natural chemistry between Zane and Cattrall keeps things buzzing, with plenty of funny and entertaining banter exchanged throughout. Diana Rigg provides an element of class as Paul's shrewd and elegant superior Judith. As a tasty added bonus, Cattrall shows off her nice body in a few sexy outfits. Ellery Ryan's slick cinematography gives the film a pleasingly stylish and polished look. Lee Holdridge's bluesy rock score does the stirring trick. A cool flick.

Kim Cattrall stars as an undercover agent. She is ambushed by a well-known international arms dealer. Kim & her partner Billy Zane race her body to a secret government laboratory where she's turned into a cyborg. Despite the fairly good cast (including Diana Rigg), I found this film disappointing. Only watch it if there's REALLY nothing else good on!

ABC has how many dramas? This pilot would have been the start of an excellent series. Kim Cattrall, Billy Zane and Diana Rigg do fine work, and the science fiction elements are slickly realized. The spy facets do not seem childish, and the frank discussions between the two agents are quite novel for a television series. The development of the friction between Mr. Zane and Delilah's "creator" portrayed by the talented Francois Gueteray would have been fun to watch on a weekly basis. It's a shame ABC didn't continue this appealing oddity that stylishly updates the concept of the cyborg.