If Looks Could Kill (1996) Reviews

• Mixed bag, but entertaining

  Alex-3722002-06-05

  This made for tv movie is a strange one, because it continually veers between the very klunky and the very cool. Klunky are the police investigation and especially the insertion of an ego tripping John Walsh (don't quit your day job, John) who obviously isn't playing anyone but his already wooden self. And David Keith as a police detective is asking _him_ for help? However, then there is the part of the movie that focuses on the villain of the piece, Anthony Sabbato Jr. as John Hawkins, the bi-sexual scam artist with the great charm and killer looks. Now this is where the story comes into it's own. Sabbato is great as the guy who can have any woman he wants and does, and can break any law with impunity. Having an absolute blast as his gay partners in crime are Bradley Dourif as Hawkins' lover and business manager and Maury Chaikin as the pill popping, patient zapping dr. Richard Boggs. So, what to make of this movie as a viewing experience? If you're paying for it and looking for a police procedural or serial killer movie, you might be disappointed, but if it's on tv and you can tape it, you pretty much can't lose.

• Before questions were asked

  bkoganbing2014-10-28

  If there will be one role that Antonio Sabato, Jr. will be forever identified with it will be that of John Hawkins, bisexual conman and conspirator in a scam that involved murder. If Looks Could Kill is one of the films that shows how America's Most Wanted helped capture this illusive criminal with John Walsh himself making an appearance. Sabato's portrayal of Hawkins with his infinite charm and looks casting a spell on men and women has to be one of the sexiest male performances on record, big screen or small. That scene in the airplane restroom with a female conquest will send most in the audience seeking a cold shower or some other kind of relief. Hawkins was the third man involved in a con that had his business and current sexual partner Brad Dourif impersonating a man that he and third member of the plot Maury Chaykin killed. Chaykin killed some innocent they selected after verifying he had no family. Then with some plastic surgery Dourif took the dead man's place while the dead man was identified as Dourif. A hefty insurance policy was paid before questions were asked. Dourif and Chaykin are caught, but Sabato eludes police and charms a lot men and women into helping him get away and live high on the hog in Europe. Detective David Keith never gives up and coverage on America's Most Wanted, a show that should never have been canceled helps in the hunt. It's a good film and at least one scene with Sabato, the one I mentioned ventures ever so lightly into soft core porn. But Sabato will never have a better role and the film is the story of a good and successful manhunt for one elusive man.

• A good film with great acting!

  messed_up2002-06-06

  This film is great. The acting is amazing, especially by Maury Chaykin and the wonderful Brad Dourif. It is definitely worth seeing, especially if you're, like me, a fan of Brad Dourif, which is honestly the only reason I started watching this film, but once it had started I couldn't turn away.

• A so-so movie saved by Sabato's killer good looks!

  guil122004-05-05

  Filmed in 1998 for television, this is a B picture version of DeCaprio's CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. Written by Peter McCabe and directed by Sheldon Larry, they had the good sense to cast Antonio Sabato Jr. in the leading role. Don't know why this actor doesn't get more grade A films. Every scene he's in, you can't take your eyes off of him. He charms his way in and out of every relationship he can, from straight to gay, to get ahead. In supporting roles, Brad Dourif, as his partner in crime, turns in a fine acting performance, along with David Keith (stellar in OFFICER & GENTLEMAN) who does what he can in a one dimensional role as the detective out to get his man. I tuned onto this film by mistake and couldn't turn the TV set off, because of Sabato. He's gorgeous!

• Not Sure What To Make Of This TVM

  Theo Robertson2005-07-29

  IF LOOKS COULD KILL is a strange TVM . Based on a true story the central premise is fascinating . A bisexual hustler talks his sugar daddy lover into carrying out a life insurance scam in which a real body needs to be produced and so begins a compelling story . The problem is that being a TVM we're treated to umpteen flaws . For example there's scenes that the director thought we're supposed to be sexy but we get these stupid jump cuts that we see in erotic anthology shows like HOT LINE and PASSION COVE that are anything but sexy . The director also manages to get uneven performances from the cast , the lead actor who plays John Hawkins gives a rather shallow performance but I guess Hawkins was shallow as a person in which case it's a good performance but Brad Dourif is very irritating as a neurotic queen with a crap Southern accent I also have a problem with the script , as I said the premise is good but is never developed to its full potential . Did Hawkins manage to elude the law because he was so clever or was it because the police lacked resources or were just plain incompetent ? These issues are never fully explored and since John Walsh ( If you like many Brits have never heard of him you might like to take the time to research his bio ) is credited as executive producer there's an uneasy feeling that perhaps his involvement in the case is overstated Overall this is an irritating and unsatisfying made for television movie . With better production values it might have been a darker , more disturbing precursor to CATCH ME IF YOU CAN but as it stands it's rather forgettable and mediocre which is a pity