Viggo-Mortensen Movie Reviews
VHS movie reviews for "Viggo-Mortensen" sorted by average review score:
Passion of Darkly Noon
Released in VHS Tape by Turner Home Video (10 June, 1997)
Average review score: 
Definately Dark Passions!!!!I have to say, I have seen better Brendan Fraser, but, this was a side to him I had not yet seen. Kuddos to Ashley Judd as well. I specifically enjoyed the psycological progression Darkly walked through. From chuch choir boy to self mutilating monster. But, this movie rang one theme throughout. It was a wonderful illusration on how anyone can do anything given the right circummstances and stressors. And Ashely Judd's character definately was a source of stress for Darkly. Poor soul, never had a chance with her limited wardrobe. I tried using the method Darkly's parents did to name him. If I actually named them the words I came up with, things would be miserable on the school payground with all the teasing. HOpe I didn't go too far. For Fraser fans a definate viewing is recommended. Just to see the scope of his abilities.
Repression, Agrression, Symbolism, Delusion, ObsessionPassion of Darkly Noon is a fine surrealist thriller. It lacks the impact and mystery of Philip Ridley's previous feature The Reflecting Skin, but I still highly recommend it. The tone is murky and off-balance, as it should be, but all the scenes dont work. Though, for every part that feels awkward, there are such scenes as Darkly's punishing himself, his conversation with his parents, and the finale, that more than make up for its flaws. Thrillers with a surreal slant are few and very far between, so if you are intrigued by the films description, most likely, you will find it quite enjoyable.
For all you poor Brendan Fraiser fans, that want to see him all cute and likeable, well, this is definitely NOT your movie.
dark, disturbing, provokingThis oddball film is not for the taste of everyone, and even fans of Viggo Mortensen and Brendan Fraser might not care for it, though the should appreciate the fine performances from these talented actors.
Darkly Noon is not the description of a time of day but the name of Brendan Fraser's disturbed character. He is the product of an overly religious parents. When they are murdered, Darkly escapes to the forest and is later found and taken to a couple Callie (Ashley Judd) and Clay (Viggo). They are lovers, which quickly becomes the centre of Brendan's problem and their nightmare. His religious upbringing disdain they are living "in sin", but as Judd nurses him back to health, he becomes obsessed with her. The conflict of his physical desires, the growing obsessed clashing with his religious teaching pushing him over the edge. It is easier to believe she is a witch twisting his mind, than to deal with his own feelings of jealousy and sin for wanting her.
Amazing film, when Fraser, Judd and Mortensen were not the powerhouse names they are now. Fine performances from them all.
Something that you either love or will hate, but doubt anyone will be unmoved.
Crew
Released in VHS Tape by Warner Home Video (18 July, 1995)
Starring: Viggo Mortensen
Average review score:
The CrewOne of the main characters is Phillip who has money, is a lawyer and has a boat. Four of them go off to sea for the weekend having a good time. Then they end up picking up two strangers that end up reacking havock on board the "Retainer" (name of boat). There is descention among the original members that leads to an exciting ending. This is a good movie featuring Viggo and it also deals with the homophobia and a prostitute. Which makes Viggo's character, Phillip a pig. But all in all a good flick.
late one nite, THE CREWwell since no one else has bothered to review it and its almost 10 years old.... I was aprehensive but desperate for a movie with boats, marina's, suspense and some tropical fun. nice yacht in the bermuda triangle had me hooked in no time.give it a try see what you think.
A story about homophobia and racism...I can't for the life of me figure out why such an outstanding piece of film is being bashed so blatantly. The Crew is a great film with a solid, top notch cast that shines. It's a fairly straightforward story about a group of high falutin' pleasure seekers who meet with a surprise while out on the Caribbean on board Phillip's (Mortensen) boat. ... This film is really great and those who don't get it must just not be up for this kind of material.
Daylight
Released in VHS Tape by Universal Studios (01 January, 2000)
Starring: Sylvester Stallone
This echo of 1970s disaster films stars Sylvester Stallone as the disgraced former head of New York City's Emergency Medical Services, a loser who is nevertheless a compulsive rescuer of people in danger. When the Holland Tunnel is sealed off after a fiery explosion and car passengers are trapped within, he goes inside and leads a group of survivors (a mixed group allegorically representing America's diversity) through all manner of pestilence toward safety. Directed by the imaginative Rob Cohen (Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story), Daylight finds Stallone outrageously (and to almost campy effect) pushing the envelope of his martyr persona to near-religious levels. He throws himself, quite literally, into this part, and between that entertainment factor and the unnervingly convincing effects, this is a pretty watchable film. --Tom Keogh
Average review score:
'Daylight' Is a Breakthrough for StalloneIt's been a long time since I've given a Sylvester Stallone flick a positive review, maybe not since First Blood which was released thirteen years prior. But Daylight is maybe his best action movie, a disaster film that'll make you think twice before driving through a tunnel ever again. Sly plays an EMS chief whose been disgraced after losing a team while looking for survivors in a collapsed building. And when an explosion closes the tunnel connection Mannhattan and New Jersey on both ends he offers to go in after any survivors. He's seeking redemption which Stallone plays with subtle grace, giving his best performace since Rocky. The supporting characters are equally well acted and includes Amy Brenneman (Judging Amy), Viggo Mortensen (The Perfect Murder) and Dan Hedaya (A Civil Action). I don't want to make this sound like your typical dumb popcorn movie but Daylight will keep you on the edge of your seat with suspense and once the action gets started don't be expecting a chance to catch your breath because it's not coming. The DVD is fabulous, you'll never knew you're not in the tunnel yourself with the creaking walls and splashing water filling every one of your six speakers (if you're so lucky). If not the picture is crystal clear and with special features like this it's hard not to recommend it to everybody.
Tunnels scare me now!whenever I watch this movie I wonder what are the possibilities of something bad happening whenever I go through a tunnel. You never know what could happen in a tunnel such as cars smashing into a wall, an explosion, falling water, or car accidents. this movie really made me think of the incidents that could happen in tunnels. This movie focuse on a bombing of the Holland tunnel in New York. Only over ten people survived the explosion and must find a way out of the tunnel. A person that helps them is
Mr. Latura(Sylvester Stallon)who is a former Emergency Medical Services cheif. The characters really face dangers in the movie such as toxic fumes, fires, falling water, and collapes of the tunnel! You will really like this movie because it is suspensful and emotional! Imagine being trapped in a tunnel all night long and you can't go home until you see daylight!
Mr. Latura(Sylvester Stallon)who is a former Emergency Medical Services cheif. The characters really face dangers in the movie such as toxic fumes, fires, falling water, and collapes of the tunnel! You will really like this movie because it is suspensful and emotional! Imagine being trapped in a tunnel all night long and you can't go home until you see daylight!
The best underground film everSly stars in one of the best underground movies ever. I saw the movie in England when it was first released on theaters, it was a great hit. The picture moves you through great principles and aspects of life. If I can I would rate it a "10". This is certainley a must see kind of movie. "good work sly"
Daylight
Released in VHS Tape by Universal Studios (09 November, 1999)
Starring: Sylvester Stallone
This echo of 1970s disaster films stars Sylvester Stallone as the disgraced former head of New York City's Emergency Medical Services, a loser who is nevertheless a compulsive rescuer of people in danger. When the Holland Tunnel is sealed off after a fiery explosion and car passengers are trapped within, he goes inside and leads a group of survivors (a mixed group allegorically representing America's diversity) through all manner of pestilence toward safety. Directed by the imaginative Rob Cohen (Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story), Daylight finds Stallone outrageously (and to almost campy effect) pushing the envelope of his martyr persona to near-religious levels. He throws himself, quite literally, into this part, and between that entertainment factor and the unnervingly convincing effects, this is a pretty watchable film. The collector's edition DVD release has optional widescreen and standard (pan and scan) versions, optional Spanish subtitles, and Dolby soundtrack. --Tom Keogh
Average review score:
'Daylight' Is a Breakthrough for StalloneIt's been a long time since I've given a Sylvester Stallone flick a positive review, maybe not since First Blood which was released thirteen years prior. But Daylight is maybe his best action movie, a disaster film that'll make you think twice before driving through a tunnel ever again. Sly plays an EMS chief whose been disgraced after losing a team while looking for survivors in a collapsed building. And when an explosion closes the tunnel connection Mannhattan and New Jersey on both ends he offers to go in after any survivors. He's seeking redemption which Stallone plays with subtle grace, giving his best performace since Rocky. The supporting characters are equally well acted and includes Amy Brenneman (Judging Amy), Viggo Mortensen (The Perfect Murder) and Dan Hedaya (A Civil Action). I don't want to make this sound like your typical dumb popcorn movie but Daylight will keep you on the edge of your seat with suspense and once the action gets started don't be expecting a chance to catch your breath because it's not coming. The DVD is fabulous, you'll never knew you're not in the tunnel yourself with the creaking walls and splashing water filling every one of your six speakers (if you're so lucky). If not the picture is crystal clear and with special features like this it's hard not to recommend it to everybody.
Tunnels scare me now!whenever I watch this movie I wonder what are the possibilities of something bad happening whenever I go through a tunnel. You never know what could happen in a tunnel such as cars smashing into a wall, an explosion, falling water, or car accidents. this movie really made me think of the incidents that could happen in tunnels. This movie focuse on a bombing of the Holland tunnel in New York. Only over ten people survived the explosion and must find a way out of the tunnel. A person that helps them is
Mr. Latura(Sylvester Stallon)who is a former Emergency Medical Services cheif. The characters really face dangers in the movie such as toxic fumes, fires, falling water, and collapes of the tunnel! You will really like this movie because it is suspensful and emotional! Imagine being trapped in a tunnel all night long and you can't go home until you see daylight!
Mr. Latura(Sylvester Stallon)who is a former Emergency Medical Services cheif. The characters really face dangers in the movie such as toxic fumes, fires, falling water, and collapes of the tunnel! You will really like this movie because it is suspensful and emotional! Imagine being trapped in a tunnel all night long and you can't go home until you see daylight!
The best underground film everSly stars in one of the best underground movies ever. I saw the movie in England when it was first released on theaters, it was a great hit. The picture moves you through great principles and aspects of life. If I can I would rate it a "10". This is certainley a must see kind of movie. "good work sly"
Deception
Released in VHS Tape by Artisan Entertainment (20 March, 2001)
Starring: Andie MacDowell and Liam Neeson
Average review score:
Totally awful!1This film had great potential; however, watching Andie McDowell "act" was so painful, my teeth ached. Her dead-slow presence and stiff dialogue served as a perfect foil for Liam Neeson, who redeemed the film with his natural talent. You could almost see the cogs turning in McDowell's mind as she struggled to remember her lines. This would have worked for me, had *anyone* but McDowell been cast as the lead.
A rainy Saturday movie-I enjoyed this movie. It is a mystery with a twist (the best kind) and since I enjoy the three main actors in the "triangle" (Andie, Liam, and Viggo) it was fun to wait for new and different scenes to compare (and on which to speculate) as the characters developed.
A ok movieThis was a serious drama and I love dramas. But this movie is the kind of drama were you can sort of grow out or the drama in it. It seems like theres too much drama and that made this movie sour and a little mocking. I say take it or leave it.
Deception (1993)
Released in VHS Tape by Avid Home Entertainment (21 January, 1997)
Starring: Andie MacDowell and Liam Neeson
Average review score:
Totally awful!1This film had great potential; however, watching Andie McDowell "act" was so painful, my teeth ached. Her dead-slow presence and stiff dialogue served as a perfect foil for Liam Neeson, who redeemed the film with his natural talent. You could almost see the cogs turning in McDowell's mind as she struggled to remember her lines. This would have worked for me, had *anyone* but McDowell been cast as the lead.
A rainy Saturday movie-I enjoyed this movie. It is a mystery with a twist (the best kind) and since I enjoy the three main actors in the "triangle" (Andie, Liam, and Viggo) it was fun to wait for new and different scenes to compare (and on which to speculate) as the characters developed.
A ok movieThis was a serious drama and I love dramas. But this movie is the kind of drama were you can sort of grow out or the drama in it. It seems like theres too much drama and that made this movie sour and a little mocking. I say take it or leave it.
Albino Alligator
Released in VHS Tape by Miramax Home Entertainment (04 February, 2003)
Starring: Matt Dillon, Faye Dunaway, and Gary Sinise
Actor Kevin Spacey made his directorial debut in this uneven crime thriller that has the claustrophobic feel of a play. Matt Dillon, Gary Sinise, and William Fichtner play a trio of robbers who have just pulled a job gone wrong. On the run from the cops, they hide out in a basement bar, where they try to figure out their next move. There's a certain amount of urgency, however, because Sinise, the brains of the outfit, is badly wounded--which means that Fichtner, the group psycho, is allowed to run wild, terrorizing the barflies unlucky enough to be their hostages. As the cops swarm outside the bar--thinking these three are major criminals rather than small potatoes--tensions mount, mostly through misunderstanding. But it's all a lot of talk, not nearly enough of it interesting, that pushes the movie slowly to its inevitable conclusion. --Marshall Fine
Average review score:
Strong debuts from Kevin Spacey and Christian ForteStrong, strong debuts from Kevin Spacey as director and Christian Forte as writer. Strong cast, except for Faye Dunaway, who is apparently still channeling Joan Crawford, or maybe Bette Davis. Sinise is a winner, as is Dillon. Nice to see M. Emmett Walsh still getting quality work. Has its share of "first-time director" problems, including a number of really awkward transitions and jump cuts right in the middle of the second act, but Spacey is a directing talent to watch for in the future. Too bad Forte didn't follow-up such a muscular debut with something equally well-crafted.
A Mixed BagDirector Kevin Spacey leads a superb cast who do reasonably well considering the material. Don't get me wrong, the film's idea is a good one. But this script seems more suitable as a play, than a film. Being that most of the film takes place in a one room bar. Faye Dunaway is great, as well as Gary Sinise in a subdued role. But Matt Dillion's tough guy routine seems a little forced, and by the end of the film it's a little tired. However, this is suitable start as Spacey's debut. It's enjoyable too watch, especially if you let yourself sink into it, and try not too deconstruct it's flaws.
The Spaceman's Directorial DebutI bought this DVD purely to hear the feature-length director's commentary by THE MAN himself, Kevin Spacey. I wasn't disappointed. It's like hearing a course on acting, cinematography, and almost every aspect of film-making, plus some amusing stories along the way.
What really surprised me was how good the film turned out to be. I was so engrossed with the drama, that I paused the DVD to turn off (egads!) Mr. Spacey's narration to concentrate on the action. It's that good.
Boiling Point
Released in VHS Tape by Warner Studios (23 May, 1995)
Starring: Wesley Snipes and Dennis Hopper
Even a fine cast can't do much to breathe life into this thin gangster piece. Dennis Hopper stars as a pathetic small-timer trying to get ahead with one final score. The bad guys don't take him seriously, a cop (Wesley Snipes) is content to mow him down if necessary, and a woman (Lolita Davidovich) who cares about him just wants him to settle down. Director James B. Harris has the raw elements of a middling film noir in front of him, but he can't even link up the pieces enough to make Snipes and Hopper appear to be in the same movie. The DVD release has a full-screen presentation, Dolby sound, and closed captioning. --Tom Keogh
Average review score: 
Never gets even lukewarmThe film is standard for action films. It is the standard plots without a twist or turn of any type in sight. Add canned behavior and canned speeches and you have.. Boiling Point. I am still trying to figure out how they got that title. There is NOTHING boiling in this not even a time limit.
Bad guys try to earn some money. Cops cause problems. Waitress who loves the guy and says goes away but has a heart of gold [make her a hooker and it will really be stereotype] and 92 minutes of sheer boredom and quick fingers on the fast foreward to the good parts which narrows the time down to about 10 minutes if you are easily entertained.
I usually say if you have to see or read it rent it or go to the library and get it. In this cases skip it. It was bad when I watched it when it came out in VHS and it is still bad in DVD. Wesley must have needed a paycheck that week.
[Poor] "action-drama" with horrid acting...This long-forgotten chapter for respectable actors Wesley Snipes, Dennis Hopper, and Viggo Mortensen is surprisingly very predictable with little to no action and very bad acting, even on the leads' parts. The plot concerns a heist and a cop out for revenge. The movie tries to advertise the fact that Snipes' character gets real ticked off, but it's more like slightly annoyed or frustrated. Not much of a "Boiling Point" here, just a little chip on the shoulder. Hopper, better in everything else, even "Waterworld", is completely unconvincing as the bumbling villain and Snipes, usually awesome, is reduced to saying cliche lines in a plot that's so boring it's a wonder it's based on a true story. Don't see this one at all. It's [not good], there's little action, and it lessens the respect of everyone involved.
no over the top performaces here just a good solid film.No gimmicks, no explosions and no sentimetal lovey-dubby stuff just your average standard good guy vs.bad guy story with some sharp dialouge and some good shots of the l.a landscape. I don't understand all the negativity this film recieves it's a great film Wesley snipes plays a federal agent out for revenge agaisnt a small time crook and his vicious sidekick after his partner is killed in a undercover drug sting. The movie plays with style and character delvelopment, providing snipes with some of his best acting of his carrer. Dennis Hopper is his usual swarmy self playing a pathetic crook out to make his last score. Virgio Mortesson plays Ronnie, Hopper's crazy sidekick who just loves viloence his best scene was where after he shoots a guy in the face after ripping him off he runs him over with his car during his escape. This film is more toned down than "Passenger 57" but the previous lacked the common sense and the utter realism this film portrays. James B. Harris who made another good cop thriller starring James Woods called "COP" I think he even did a better job here. Casting Wesley Snipes in the role was a smart move he made this film more watchable with his flare for profanity and his well dressed manor was quite convincing as a FBI agent who has reached his "BOLING POINT" The title may not blend when seeing this film but who cares about the title? it's the film that counts and it's a great film at that.
Boiling Point
Released in VHS Tape by Warner Studios (23 May, 1995)
Starring: Wesley Snipes and Dennis Hopper
Even a fine cast can't do much to breathe life into this thin gangster piece. Dennis Hopper stars as a pathetic small-timer trying to get ahead with one final score. The bad guys don't take him seriously, a cop (Wesley Snipes) is content to mow him down if necessary, and a woman (Lolita Davidovich) who cares about him just wants him to settle down. Director James B. Harris has the raw elements of a middling film noir in front of him, but he can't even link up the pieces enough to make Snipes and Hopper appear to be in the same movie. The DVD release has a full-screen presentation, Dolby sound, and closed captioning. --Tom Keogh
Average review score:
Never gets even lukewarmThe film is standard for action films. It is the standard plots without a twist or turn of any type in sight. Add canned behavior and canned speeches and you have.. Boiling Point. I am still trying to figure out how they got that title. There is NOTHING boiling in this not even a time limit.
Bad guys try to earn some money. Cops cause problems. Waitress who loves the guy and says goes away but has a heart of gold [make her a hooker and it will really be stereotype] and 92 minutes of sheer boredom and quick fingers on the fast foreward to the good parts which narrows the time down to about 10 minutes if you are easily entertained.
I usually say if you have to see or read it rent it or go to the library and get it. In this cases skip it. It was bad when I watched it when it came out in VHS and it is still bad in DVD. Wesley must have needed a paycheck that week.
[Poor] "action-drama" with horrid acting...This long-forgotten chapter for respectable actors Wesley Snipes, Dennis Hopper, and Viggo Mortensen is surprisingly very predictable with little to no action and very bad acting, even on the leads' parts. The plot concerns a heist and a cop out for revenge. The movie tries to advertise the fact that Snipes' character gets real ticked off, but it's more like slightly annoyed or frustrated. Not much of a "Boiling Point" here, just a little chip on the shoulder. Hopper, better in everything else, even "Waterworld", is completely unconvincing as the bumbling villain and Snipes, usually awesome, is reduced to saying cliche lines in a plot that's so boring it's a wonder it's based on a true story. Don't see this one at all. It's [not good], there's little action, and it lessens the respect of everyone involved.
no over the top performaces here just a good solid film.No gimmicks, no explosions and no sentimetal lovey-dubby stuff just your average standard good guy vs.bad guy story with some sharp dialouge and some good shots of the l.a landscape. I don't understand all the negativity this film recieves it's a great film Wesley snipes plays a federal agent out for revenge agaisnt a small time crook and his vicious sidekick after his partner is killed in a undercover drug sting. The movie plays with style and character delvelopment, providing snipes with some of his best acting of his carrer. Dennis Hopper is his usual swarmy self playing a pathetic crook out to make his last score. Virgio Mortesson plays Ronnie, Hopper's crazy sidekick who just loves viloence his best scene was where after he shoots a guy in the face after ripping him off he runs him over with his car during his escape. This film is more toned down than "Passenger 57" but the previous lacked the common sense and the utter realism this film portrays. James B. Harris who made another good cop thriller starring James Woods called "COP" I think he even did a better job here. Casting Wesley Snipes in the role was a smart move he made this film more watchable with his flare for profanity and his well dressed manor was quite convincing as a FBI agent who has reached his "BOLING POINT" The title may not blend when seeing this film but who cares about the title? it's the film that counts and it's a great film at that.
Psycho
Released in VHS Tape by Universal Studios (28 August, 2001)
Starring: Vince Vaughn and Anne Heche
Numerous critics had already sharpened their knives even before Gus Van Sant's shot-for-shot color "re-creation" of the 1960 black-and-white Hitchcock classic was released, chiding the Good Will Hunting director for defiling hallowed ground. This intriguing cinematic curiosity, though, is hardly as sacrilegious as critics would lead you to believe. If anything, Van Sant doesn't take enough liberties with his almost slavish devotion to the material, now updated with modern references. At times, you wish Van Sant would cut loose with a little spontaneity, a little energy, a little something. Unfortunately, when he does venture outside Hitchcock's parameters, with inserted shots of storm clouds during the murder sequences, it's to little effect. Granted, he liberally splashes color throughout the film (especially in the case of the infamous shower scene), and this is a great-looking movie, but in his obsession with adding a new physical dimension to the film, there's little insight into these characters that Hitchcock hadn't already provided. Vince Vaughn, a robotic and giggly Norman, doesn't crawl under your skin the way boy-next-door Anthony Perkins did, and Anne Heche is admirable if not very sympathetic in the Janet Leigh role. Van Sant does score a minor coup, though, in his casting of the supporting roles: Julianne Moore provides a welcome shot of energy as Heche's irritable and curious sister, William H. Macy is a perfect small-time detective, Viggo Mortensen is studly enough to make you understand why Heche would want to run away with him, and James LeGros walks away with his one brief scene as a used car salesman. And Danny Elfman's gorgeous rerecording of Bernard Herrmann's score is a potent supporting character unto itself. Students and fans of the original film will get a kick out of the modern revisions, but don't expect anything of Hitchcockian caliber; watch it for the sum of its intriguing parts, but not the whole. --Mark Englehart
Average review score:
WOOF!UGH...! Did a remake of the original horror/suspense classic have to be made? These are NOT even the original cast (although I understand that they'd be pretty old now considering the movie's 40 years old) Also, the acting was very cheesy, stupid, & crappy & Anthony Perkins is the ONLY TRUE Norman Bates instead of some other guy who doesn't even come close to fitting the picture. Another problem is that it's just not even scary WHATSOEVER! All they did is colorize it in order to give it a more 90s style look but the dialogue is all same ol' same ol' as the original "Psycho". Besides, people don't even talk that way anymore! Time has changed A LOT over the years yet they try & give it a 60s look. I know that some movies should be left alone while others sometimes REALLY need a remake. ("The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" is an example because while the first version was good, the 2003 version actually turned out to be even better due to that the cript is NOT the same but still with some similarities) "PSYCHO" on the other hand did not need a remake at all! As another reviewer here stated, IT'S ALL BEEN DONE ALREADY!!!! Very crappy & just pathetic! Don't waste your time & get the original version of this instead!
Very poorI guess when you cast a bunch of Hollywood's elite to star in a remake of a classic 60's horror flick, you can't really expect much. It seems like the director (Gus Van Idiot Savant or whatever) just wanted to bulk it up and add more glitz and glamour, while meanwhile the original was a humble, modest, bold effort. Vince Vaughn is the most unconvincing psychopath on film ever, his personality did not work for this movie, and seeing him in his other movies makes this one a little awkward. Julianne Moore is usually a superb actress, I don't know why she would involve herself in this piece of cheese, I mean, did they REALLY have walkman's back then? The only plus side is Anne Heche who fits her roll very well, it's just a shame she had to die off 30 minutes into the movie, making this one a true "sleeper" indeed.
A so-so remake of a film classicMarion Crane (Anne Heche) steals $400,000 from her boss and flees from Phoenix, AZ, to California to meet with her boyfriend Sam Loomis (Viggo Mortensen). Along the way, a heavy rainstorm forces her to seek shelter at the Bates Motel, where she meets Norman Bates (Vince Vaughan), an odd fellow who enjoys stuffing birds, is very devoted to his mother, and hides a twisted little secret.
Gus Van Zant's remake is only so-so at best. Most remakes try to update the film, adding new technology or bringing some of the themes up-to-date. Van Zant's remake is shot-for-shot with the only changes being that the film is entirely in color and that he's added a few non-sensical images to the murder sequences. With some of the scenes, the viewer can tell they were shot either in front of a green screen or in front of a movie background, making it appear very stagy and dated. Also, the color takes away some of the menace that is created in the original black-and-white.
Most of the cast does an admirable job, including Anne Heche as Marion Crane, who portrays the nervousness and anxieties of her character extremely well. Vince Vaughan is miscast and over-the-top as Norman Bates, making him too menacing and too unsympathetic. The supporting cast is okay with Julianne Moore, William H. Macy and Viggo Morensen.
One other good point of the film is Danny Elfman's presentation of the Bernard Hermann score. No changes to it, but it does prove how important music can be to setting the mood for a film, and that urgent violin strain in the shower sequence still causes chills. But overall, this movie remake is only so-so.