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Uninvited Guest

Uninvited Guest

List Price: $14.98
Your Price: $13.48
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Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Who's scamming whom?
Review: "Uninvited Guest" is like a low-budget, "who's scamming whom," black version of "The Grifters." Make no mistake; this movie does not belong in the same class with the best of the contemporary film-noir offerings. At its lowest moments, it's a sloppy work with an implausible story pretext. Still, as a direct-to-video melodrama, it has decent performances by the principal actors, unpredictable (albeit absurd) plot-twists, some thoughtful relationship dialogue, witty sexual banter, and a tasteful seduction scene that culminates on a kitchen counter. I especially appreciated the humorous anatomical quips that helped diffuse the tension during some of the film's violent confrontations.

While still a B-movie, there's enough entertainment value in this modest film to make you forgive most of its technical shortcomings and storytelling deficiencies. With a bigger budget and some script revisions, this film may have been a contender. All things considered, I give it a C.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: So-So Thriller
Review: A big winner at both the 1999 Urbanworld and Acapulco Black film festivals, Uninvited Guest (a/k/a An Invited Guest) was released theatrically the following year. Despite the accolades and the fact that the film is arguably better than the somewhat similar cult hit, TROIS, the film was a relative failure during it's limited theatrical run. It made just over $100,000 at the box office (compared to the over $1,000,000 that TROIS made).

Judged on its own terms, there is nothing particularly noteworthy about UNINVITED GUEST except for the fact that all of the characters in it are black. The "erotic thriller" starts decent enough with Mekhi Phifer invading into the home of an affluent couple (played by Mel Jackson and Mari Morrow). From there the story travels a fairly predictable path of terror. Although not particularly "erotic" or "thrilling," the director does manage to generate some sexual heat on the screen. However, the sex rarely goes beyond that found in your typical daytime soap. The film however does have an attractive cast and possesses a certain camp appeal.

In terms of plot, there are plenty of twists and turns, but the story is hampered by a very illogical conclusion. Without revealing the details, at the denouement the viewer is left shaking one's head in disbelief. The film also lacks a clear moral center or genuinely sympathetic characters.

Overall, UNINVITED GUEST is a decent "midnight" movie. If you're not expecting high art or even edge of your seat thrills, this movie is definitely worth a look. You might even get a few laughs in the process. Just remember to bring the popcorn.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Good independent film
Review: After searching for this movie in rental stores, I finally decided to order it from Amazon so I could see for myself what everyone was talking about. I enjoyed it but some of the acting was kind of weak. I loved the storyline, however, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a decent thriller. On the flip side, I caught the director's second effort, Jacked, at the Acapulco Black Film Festival, and it was excellent. I hope to see it in theaters soon or on DVD so I can purchase it for my collection.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: A Must See!
Review: For a movie that did not make it to the big screen, this was pretty good. The actors are known and have been in big budget films (Thin Line, Soul Food) before, so the acting was great. This movie has a good story line with twist and turns troughout! This is a Drama/Thrilla that should be seen with friends! Don't miss out buy the movie, it's a keeper!

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Don't invite this movie into your home!
Review: From "Facts of Life" alum Kim Field's lousy two minute "guest appearance" at the start of the film, to the highly implausible conclusion, this film stinks. The irony is that the lead character (Howard) is an inept screenwriter whose writing is lousy and contrived and thus can't get a script sold. After watching this poor excuse for a film, one can see that this writer/director Timothy Wayne Folsom's script must be highly autobiographical. Why talented actors Mekhi Phifer and Mel Jackson agreed to appear in this so-called "thriller" is baffling--they must either be hard-up for work, or friends with Mr. Folsom. The movie is a snooze-fest for the first hour, and the rest of the movie is filled with plot-twists and turns that are so inconceivable, you'll find yourself saying "Oh, pleeeeze!" every minute or so. The acting isn't so bad-how can even the talented Mekhi Phifer act well with trite lines like "I was born on silk sheets and haven't been able to keep off of them since"? Unless you are really good about suspending your disbelief, do not waste two hours of your life watching this film.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Should of kept it a little more simple at the end..
Review: Good movie, great acting, and gripping plot. But somewhere at the end the changes become a little overwhelming.

Unlike some of the reviewers, I was attached to the movie from the start. The naughty Silk and the wanton girlie/wife was actually just as intense as any other sexy thriller. I followed the characters and the plot right down to the near end. After the first 2 twist things begin to unravel and become unbeleivable. I appreciated the creative effort, but unfortunately the attempts become a little too much to beleive.

Good film though and I am recommending it to friends. I'll let them give their own oppinion on the twists and turns.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: A no talent, ammateur film.
Review: I actually had to watch this movie for a film class I am taking and a student dropped the course after we watched this movie. With lame background music, cheesy sex scenes and poor acting, it is borderline porn. The plot is unbelievable and I kept sighing through the entire movie. The camera movement is not smooth and it almost looked as if it was shot with someone's home video camera. I do not recommend this to anyone with any intellegence or good taste in movies.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Very Interesting & Intriguing
Review: I had the pleasure of watching this movie on TMC. Instantaneously, I stopped what I was doing and was glued to the television. It's always nice to watch African Americans on TV. This is the type of movie that keeps you wondering what's going to happen next and you'll want to know who's in on this and who's not. I thought the movie was good. I wouldn't buy it, because some of the acting was a little off base. But I would recommend it to anyone looking for something good to watch on television. There are alot of twists and turns in it. It keeps you amazed at the way things are going. Mekhi does an excellent portrayal of a Smooth Operator. It's like he takes control of Debbie's mind when he talks with her. Especially the scene in the kitchen. WONDERFUL! The ending is sad, but also full of suspense. Buy it or Rent it. The choice is yours.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: What's with this DVD? Enjoy the subtitles!
Review: I have nothing against low-budget films or efforts. Sometimes, they're the best entertainment around. But this product by Tri-Mark Pictures is something else!

I knew it was a cheap piece and that Tri Mark didn't care much about their product when I opened the DVD case and there wasn't even a chapter page. Okay.

When the movie started, I started seeing English subtitles. Hah! I tried to turn them off, but you can't. So, you have a choice of English, French, or Spanish mandatory subtitles. Visually it's annoying because sometimes the characters are framed low so the words go right over their faces and lips. Perhaps Tri Mark thinks that most viewers won't understand middle class African Americans talking; thus, the need for the mandatory subtitles.

Actually, sometimes I needed them because of actor mumbling or audio that isn't really clear.

I'm not faulting the film at all, but to put out a cheap DVD like this is really outrageous. When reviewing a DVD I'm more concerned about quality, picture, and sound rather than the content. I guess if you wanted to, you could just turn the sound down and watch it silent. The only thing else that you'd be missing is the deep roaring sound of a motorcycle!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: fantastic
Review: I just happen to see this movie, and i am glad i did. this movie will keep your interest. and the things that led up to the ending were great. I mean this is one Mekhi Phifer greatest actting roles.


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