On P List of Movie Reviews

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Pacific Heights (1990)

Rate: 6
Viewed: 6/07

6/07: I'm a big fan of Michael Keaton, and I thought he would reach his villainous potential in Pacific Heights.

I mean, look at his face in the movie poster. Is that obvious enough? Unfortunately, I've come away disappointed. Michael Keaton is just less than effective when he can be so much more. Even worse is the fact that John Schlesinger was the man behind the camera when in reality he directed a misfire despite the nice neo-noir look. The story makes little sense. I was like, "Are you really sure?" and came away disbelieving it.

The trouble with Matthew Modine is his cornball face; I wish he would be more serious. That's why Nick Nolte worked out beautifully well as the father in Cape Fear. Melanie Griffith can be rock-solid and give a fine performance. In Pacific Heights, she nails it. Hence, Melanie Griffith doesn't get enough credit for being a great actress that she is.

All in all, there's too much wasted potential in Pacific Heights.

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