A Killer Within (2004)

6/10

markhodge28 January 2005

I got the pre-screener of this DVD, being a huge Ben Browder fan, and let me just say that he was my favorite part of this film.

For obviously such a small budgeted film, I think the producers did well getting the cast that they got.

It looks pretty good, and at least you can tell this was shot on film. The plot reminds me of something you might have wacthed in the 80's.

It's not gonna win any awards, but the acting is above standard, and there are some nice touches, such as crane shots and fight sequences that play well.

If you like any of these actors(C Thomas Howell, Sean Young, Dedee Pfieffer), it's worth the rental. The underused Giancarlo Esposito is the "stand out". I wish we would see more of him these days.

Typical thriller with a twist at the end.

A 6 out of 10.

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4/10

Not very good.

g-s-kennedy20 February 2005

Very predictable with not much of a trick at the end. The beginning was very clumsy, even embarrassing, direction and not being able to grasp a good performance out of any of his actors, even the much under-rated Sean Young. Mr. Esposito later saved any interest in the movie. Cable then the video store is where this belongs, the director should watch Chinatown. Dallas offers much for a real noir, but this is not it. It is hard for a new director to engage this kind of film with any originality. The genre has been repeated many times , yet it is still valid. Walter Mosely can do it by writing. Donald Goines did it. Polanski did it. The Usual Suspects did it. Time is one thing, but realizing place, a real understanding of local, is another.

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4/10

yet another C Thomas Howell stinker

movieman_kev16 May 2005

Addison (C. Thomas Howell, whom if he's one of the main stars in ANY post 1986 movie is going to suck) who after finding out that his wife has been murdered and being the prime suspect, attempts to catch the real killer. Vargas (Giancarlo Esposito) is an ex-cop who was disgraced by Addison, who comes along to help him reluctantly. This is a typical run of the miller thriller, no more, no less. The ending is a silly. The acting is pretty bad by Howell and even more so from a wasted Ben "Farscape" Browder.All in all, very VERY forgettable. Or maybe that's just me being hopeful again.

My Grade: D+

Eye Candy: Sean young gives a quick full frontal

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Tight little mystery

cranzah028 March 2004

A tight plot and solid performances set this film above the standard fare. As a lover of mystery I've become extremely adept at finding the killer quickly. Well not the case here. I was guessing right up until the end. Enough red herrings to stock a fish market, and I loved every minute of it. Taking Lives tries to bring the mystery that A Killer Within delivers. So if you want a good mystery check it out.

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3/10

Are we watching the same film?

kirby-3922 March 2006

I wouldn't call this the next great mystery thriller, nor would I call it total garbage. It falls somewhere in between, but at the lower end of the 10-star system. It had its moments, and, yes, Sean Young is still hot! (And an under-rated actress), but the plot and its "multiple endings" were not the best. A better script might have helped. I'm not going to diss folks who tried to make an independent film outside of Hollywood. At least they didn't do a remake of the Beverly Hillbillies, Welcome Back Kotter, or Bewitched. They tried to be original. (Note to self: Original does not always translate to good.) Give the film a chance and watch it for yourself.

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3/10

Why does everyone think this film is so good?

Capduck20 February 2005

Some people who are voting must work for the studio because this film is not as exemplary as everyone is giving it credit for. People who have previously commented have heralded this as the next great mystery, a "thriller," and a complex script with an inspired cast. This film is none of that, it is mindless droll, it is the type of movie you view on the Lifetime Network, and it is not worth anybody's time. I understand some of you out there are desperate to see the resurrection of C. Thomas Howell's career (for the brief period he had one), but that is never going to happen. I'm sorry. I apologize and you have my deepest sympathies, because the only way Mr. Howell can get back in sight of an audience is if he stars on some SciFi Network original program. Then he can go to conventions and your delusions of him being talented and famous will come true, because you will see him signing autographs for an overweight 42 year old men wearing elf ears standing next to their mothers. This script is so horrible my friend and I picked out plot holes from the plot summary! The flashback sequences are cliché, taking absolutely no unique route for presenting them, and don't get me started on the photography! I mean come on, they shot it like it was going straight to TV! There is one plus side though...Sean Young somehow manages to still look good at her age. Aside from that, the film is horrendous. To those who have already seen this film, I apologize. To those who haven't, you will never forgive yourself for wasting your time and money. I saw it for free and was still upset! Please spare yourself, and your children if you can.

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3/10

A killer within?....pity he didn't kill the production.....

markymark7022 January 2009

Warning: Spoilers

I read some comments on IMDb re: a new film, a comeback film for Howell. Naturally I was interested but now after viewing the said movie - I am very disappointed.

The story line wasn't too bad really. It had some twists and turns and the whole thing seemed reasonable - if read on paper. But on the screen it just did not wash. I don't know if this was because the director et. al. fouled it up or if indeed the script was a turkey from day one. A bit of both I suspect.

The way the film started was enough to put any prospective viewer off in the first five minutes. It was lensed like some soft-porn movie. Sumptuous buildings, slow moving scenes, over-acting, dialog that would make a murderer blush and a score that grates on your mind from the first touch of the cheap keys of a synthesizer.

Howell is so unconvincing here it is unreal. He was supposed to be a District Attorney who packed it in for a successful law firm run with his best buddy. I wouldn't give this guy a parking ticket to sort out for me. He no more looked like an ex-DA/lawyer than Mickey Mouse. Oh and for his jumping to conclusions during the movie about who killed his wife - if he carried on like that when he was a DA - 99% of his cases would be incorrectly tried.

Browder plays his part so sullenly - I reckon he actually knew what a turkey this film was but could not get out of it. Sean Young was Sean Young - irritating. I have never liked her to be honest so I am a little biased here but she wasn't around long enough for her to totally spoil things for me. The film managed that all on it's own.

Too many things to dislike about this movie - plot holes you could drive a truck through, the acting (just watch the supposed bad guy killer with the long hair for a master class in terrible acting), the music, the situations (Howell goes to the bad side of town and gets his car nicked) all smell like last week's tuna dinner. Reeking.

A comeback? You gotta be joking. Howell has done worse stuff than this (The Sweeper anyone?) but he's lucky to still be working at all if this is his ambition.

3/10.

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7/10

A Killer Within is a good murder mystery film worth seeing

BMLB16 April 2005

A Killer Within is a pretty good murder mystery story. It's an indie flick, so don't expect another Silence of the Lambs, but overall it's pretty solid. It has an easy to follow plot with some original twists, and a good ensemble cast.

The film stars C. Thomas Howell, Sean Young, Ben Browder and Giancarlo Esposito. The story line is that Addison Terrill (Howell), a high-priced lawyer, comes home one night to find his wife Becky (Young) murdered in the bedroom and his young son beaten and unconscious at the hospital. The police automatically assume that Addison is the culprit, so it's up to him to clear his own name.

The movie does a good job of keeping the audience guessing and second-guessing who the killer is until the end.

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2/10

Good idea wasted on bad directing

OJT21 April 2011

I was looking forward to an above average film when I sat down to watch this. Sean Young and perhaps C. Thomas Howell was to assure that. So I'm writing this to warn off anyone which will think the same as me - thinking this is worthwhile to watch.

But I could immediately see that the good idea in this film, and what could have been a good plot, was ruined by bad directing and bad acting.

This could have made an interesting film in the hands of a better director. The script is far from flawless, but still I think it could have been saved. But all the actors show that they don't believe in the project. Even the little kid is really bad. There's not a single actor acting worth watching here. Sean Young is theatrical, C. Thomas Howell is stoic, and the police looks like they have been taken in from the streets. Unbelievably enough, even the extras here are bad. Like the woman in the neighboring table at the restaurant! I haven't seen anything like it!

It's a shame money has been spent on this, but I give it a 2 out of 10 for the idea. Such a pity good ideas can be spent this way!

If this is American independent film-making, let me see any film any day before this!

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7/10

The movie was ok but I have a question about a prop?

spookybooscarystorytime26 March 2024

The movie was decent. Kind of shallow in some of the acting and I question how the brother(?) was able to act as an attorney when he didn't seem like an acting attorney but as a paralegal instead. My biggest question, however, is about the item on the fireplace mantel. What is that object in between the candles? Is that male genitalia? Who puts that on their fireplace? Was that intended or was it a reference to something? Was this made for TV? It cracks me up a little bit.

Aside from that strange, burning question that others must have missed, I also question why an attorney would offer up so much information to the police as he did. He should have known that bringing up wanting children would have made the cops ask more questions.

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1/10

General Impression

adiliki_adiliki_adiliki19 September 2008

Warning: Spoilers

Hmmm... such a powerful name for a low low budget movie which was totally beyond my expectations. The beginning is somehow compromising and interesting, but as the movie runs the joy fastly diminishes. I must reckon that there is actually one sole fact which increases the grade of this film: the big twist present in the end. Hmmm... such a powerful name for a low low budget movie which was totally beyond my expectations. The beginning is somehow compromising and interesting, but as the movie runs the joy fastly diminishes. I must reckon that there is actually one sole fact which increases the grade of this film: the big twist present in the end. I give 1 point out of 10 for being such a great disappointment. Not recommended.

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9/10

A KILLER plot and more...

texasjoe487 October 2005

I played a small role in this movie as a lawyer in the courtroom. It was exciting to watch Sean Young, C. Thomas Howell, and Dedee Pheiffer work together in a film. The cast had real chemistry, and it all came together well after the editing. The plot kept you guessing who was the real culprit. The script was well written, and the production was good to be a part of. I have watched it five times and each time I learn something different that I did not see before. I would recommend this film. This just shows that independent films have merit, and that a low budget does not mean anything is being sacrificed in the process. Good films are being made outside of California, and New York allowing unknown writers and actors to find a market and an audience.

Joe L.Blevins

P.S. Also, I wanted to say that many people have been so negative over this movie. It seems that few have tried to write a script as I have, (or a book) and tried to act in a decent movie premise. This has flaws as most any other movie has, but for the most part I have a better appreciation to understand what all goes into the production from the git-go, and perhaps others need to try to understand the process better before they throw in the towel, and start bad-mouthing a certain production. (It is better than the remakes of television shows, into flaky movies.) This was better than the standard fare of premises, and to see people like Ben Browder, and Sean Young and such, was really exciting. But still your opinion is your opinion, like it, or lump it. It's your choice.

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6/10

I'm in the middle of the road on this one

lagriff0517 June 2007

This is an interesting movie. Putting aside the fact that it starts off with the stupidest and most pointless 5-10 minutes of opening sequence that I've witnessed in a long time, it's quite dark and even pretty creepy towards the end. The acting isn't that good, but it's passable at least, and nothing to complain about. The directing is quite good and dark, and the scenery is fitting and rather good. I like how this movie doesn't really try to sugar coat the characters, as they all feel pretty real, human. I found myself almost disliking them at first, but hell, humans have flaws, and this movie doesn't hide that fact. Very well done in that department.

The plot is meaty and dense, with a nice mystery element. It's hard to tell exactly who the killer is until the very end. However, the cops in this movie don't seem very competent, as they don't really do anything except accuse Addison and pester his son, not really making an effort to find any other suspects. Iffy. I can say that plot holes are the main issue here, and the ending was pretty lame. And it really bugged me how many times the perception of the killer changes. One minute, it's him---no, him---now him! And now it's her! Ridiculous. At least they put a lot of thought into it.

I'll recommend this to fans of detective thrillers, though. It's not nearly as bad as people make it out to be.

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1/10

Save your money-- avoid at all costs!

steveipfw23 March 2005

This film was a low budget film, or at least that is how it came across. Horrible acting, predictable plot, and was painful to watch. After 30 minutes, I fast forwarded the DVD until it reached the end. I got the distinct impression that the movie producers had an open call to any unemployed actors who were willing to work for pennies. The lead actor has done good work in the past --- comedy at least -- so maybe he should stick with that (the movie was a joke, so maybe that was close). This was a movie filmed by amateurs and acted by the same type of individuals. In fact, I am wondering if I can get my money back from Blockbuster.

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Excellent thriller.

sylvrewolfe-12 February 2005

I usually do not sit down and watch thrillers because I can figure out the who done it of the whodunit. I did lean toward a certain suspect and turned out I was right, but the ride to see if I was correct was rather enjoyable. There was a good plot with a lot of good twists and turns which would leave a person guessing right up to the end. Best roller coaster ride I have had in, well, forever. It was very intelligently done. Kudos to the writers.

The cast was put together well and seemed to work together well. I admittedly am a fan of Ben Browder and have to say he did not disappoint in this movie. I hope to see this group work together again in the future. It seemed as though they really enjoyed what they were doing and to me that makes a difference in watching average and watching above average.

I have to say I enjoyed this little independent movie more than most big box office hits and top TV shows I have seen.

Thanks guys for the good ride.

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3/10

I didn't like it either

eporter7018 September 2005

I'm a fan of Ben Browder's and purchased the movie for him alone.

Sad to say, I didn't like it. Giancarlo Esposito stood out from a rather uninspired cast and script. I can't stand Sean Young and she didn't make me like her any better here. C Thomas Howell looks awful.

Browder might have done a better job as Addison; he does sort of crazy/haunted so well. As Sam, the role was just sort of blah. I really expected to see him in more of the movie.

And the music! The MUSIC! Very, very intrusive and distracting.

I'm giving it a 3 because I got to see Ben Browder. I'd rather see him in something better next time.

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3/10

Decent plot but badly made

Geronimooooo17 April 2005

I liked the plot. Kept me guessing till the end but the acting was shoddy and the direction was pretty lousy.

Intitally i guessed the killer but then the twists in the movie took me farther n farther away from the truth. A lot of twists in the story which actually kept me sitting in front of the TV to watch the entire movie.

The end was such a waste to the whole plot. It could have been filmed really well and would have made watching the whole movie worthwhile

The director could have done a much better job with the movie.

A movie i could watch once if i had nothing better to do.

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1/10

A killer within........what????

peter-baldwin-127 November 2006

Well I've now seen the movie A Killer Within.

If ever a film deserved its place on the 99 cents sale rack at Walmart this is it.

I've adored Sean Young ever since she played Rachael in Bladerunner...but this was awful!

The bloody incessant music, obvious product placement, dreadful cutting and amateur shooting....... even the DVD case cover bears no relation to the story.

And Ben does moody too well! This character shouldn't have been moody! Sorry Ben, I felt like switching off after five minutes but sat through it so your sake. Don't put it on your resume for Petes sake! I just hope you took the money and ran. It should have made a couple of payments on the Lexus!

Coincidentally I started watching this on Thanksgiving Day. It sure was a turkey....... with all the trimmings!

Pete

Ps. if you do buy it, use the case to replace any of your damaged ones. That way you'll get your moneys worth.

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1/10

Warning. Really BAD movie.. Avoid

pmisty15 June 2005

This movie has gotta be the worst movie I've watched in a long long time. Throughout the movie you'd squirm at how such an awful movie got made in the first place. Everything about this movie from acting, directing, lighting, editing, etc.. scream sub-amateurish. 15 minutes into the movie and you begin to feel that this is going to be a lousy movie. It is so incredibly bad that I have to force myself to watch it till the end to make sure that it is indeed as bad as I've predicted. I feel sorry to see Sean Young got caught in this outing although I admire her for trying to give anyone watching this something for their time in the form of a 2 second full frontal. The whole storyline is stupidly weak and the ending is terrible. This movie does not even qualify for a made for TV movie. This is the first time I've written a review and I'm doing it to warn all movie fans to keep away. Avoid this movie. Go watch the TV, read something, listen to some music.. do anything but watch this. It is that bad! You've been warned. The only decent thing about this is the DVD cover.

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1/10

Very very bad movie

etandem15 May 2005

By saying bad, I don't mean the acting, though there are some low moments: where did they get this kid from? still, this isn't the bad part. Even the story itself is very predictable, but had some (unused) potential.

So, what did bother me? The omnipresent music!

During the whole movie you listen permanently to some unfitting classical music, which gets incredibly annoying after the first 10 minutes. Once noticed, you won't get a break. I know, every movie needs a good soundtrack. But sometimes it is better to manage with less.

My advice: don't waste your time!

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8/10

Ben Browder makes the movie.

mchriste-123 May 2005

I rented this movie not knowing what to expect. I'm a fan of Ben's from Farscape, so I was intrigued to see him in something else. As I expected, Ben did not disappoint. He brought some actual three dimensional life into a collection of banal characters.

The plot is nothing unusual, the type of film I'd expect to see in a movie-of-the-week format. There are intriguing elements, especially toward the end as the killer of the title comes closer to being exposed. I wasn't surprised by anything, but I liked Sam and Sara, so I was interested in the character development.

C. Thomas Howell was unimpressive and I'd much rather have had someone more dynamic in the lead role. I'd say Ben, but my bias would show a little too much there. Sean Young-while she drives me nuts-was perfectly cast. I'm not sure I've ever seen Giancarlo Esposito in anything, but I really liked him in this film.

This was independently produced and while there are things about it I wasn't impressed with, all things considered it was a very polished film.

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3/10

Young wasted in this poor movie.

guilfisher-117 July 2005

I did sit through the entire film. Just wanted to see if there was any redemption towards the end. There wasn't. I admire anyone who takes the plunge into directing films. Not an easy task. There's, of course, the costs. This alone deserves respect. Brad Keller directs his first feature film with interesting angle shots. Unfortunately he has a bad script to deal with by Chris and William Peirson. It's full of clichés and no surprise ending. I knew from the top of the picture. It was obvious. Won't reveal the ending in case any other brave souls wish to view this sad tale.

The one redeeming feature is the presence of Sean Young who doesn't last too long in the movie - too bad. She does her best and adds a touch of a classic movie star appearance. Others don't fare too well. C Thomas Howell I think was miscast. His acting was one level. Ben Browder came off a little better, but, too, play the same droll performance. A good looker, he might have carried out the lead a bit better. Dedee Pfeiffer as Browder's wife, did over the wall acting. Too much. Someone should have mentioned she was doing film and not stage acting. The young boy, not even given credit on the web, was given nothing, and did nothing. A cute kid, who needed direction or guidance.

Sadly, I have to give this a 3 count. Young's presence deserves that alone. Sorry.

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1/10

Couldn't finish this thing!

mark-newman-114 April 2005

Shiner Bock teams up with Dr Pepper to produce an unspeakably bad 'B' movie. This actually borders on offensive as the poor watcher is taken through every imaginable movie cliché whilst having to look at bottles of Shiner and cans of Dr Pepper! There is no subtlety in the placement advertising which distracts from the movie - but in this case playing 'Spot the bottle or can' is actually a blessed diversion from this awful movie. The acting is outrageous and the story is worse than thin! I couldn't make it all the way through so I couldn't tell you how it finishes! Please don't waste your time on this horrible horrible piece of rubbish!

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1/10

Are the actors posting the good comments?

big_bend229 January 2008

I have to wonder if all of these glowing reviews were posted by people who appeared in this thing. It pains me to have to write this review, because the film was shot in Dallas and did employ several local folks, but it's just atrocious. I agree that the one bright spot is Sean Young. She's an under-rated and unappreciated actress who catches a lot of grief for appearing in some stinkers, but the lady still can act. After showing so much promise in The Outsiders, C. Thomas Howell sinks lower in his post-Francis Ford Copolla career. The script left a lot to be desired. They tried to make it a mystery, but the extra twists at the end only made it look like they were trying way too hard. (You should try a surprise ending, not multiple ones.) I hate to see folks I respect tied to this bomb, but it is what it is. Just pass on this DVD and rent Bladerunner or Dune.

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3/10

Fun but not much mystery

albrechtcm29 March 2019

Considering the budget, this film turned out surprisingly well done. The title seems lame and out of place. From the time Sean Young came home and brought out her purchases, we knew exactly what was going to happen. As usual in these cases, the police were slow, following red herrings, etc., but that's Hollyw - or Texas or wherever movies are made. The acting and conflict among the characters was well done and the opening of the film was a fun way to get us into it. One thing that put me off, and that's simply my fault. Being an old-timer, every time Ben Browder appeared I saw bandleader Kay Kayser's in-house cornet-playing comedian, Ish Kabibble. Sorry Mr. Browder. I think it was the way you combed your hair that did it!

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