HotToastyRag
In this made-for-television flick, Stockard Channing plays a no-good, selfish, pathological liar with a rap sheet longer than her arm. Her current fixation is stealing cars, so that she can sell them and hopefully get enough money to actually buy a Ferrari. Beyond that, she has absolutely no life plan. She's not thinking of getting a legitimate job, an apartment or house, a quality boyfriend, or even a bath. What a great heroine to root for.For some reason that never becomes clear, her young, trusting public defender—played by Sam Waterston, who else?—tells the judge to be lenient because she's a good kid and just needs a little guidance. He continually sticks up for her and tries to help her, even though she proves time and again she has neither the interest nor the tools to fully accept his help. She's incredibly unlikable, and it's very frustrating to watch her drag Sam down with her, especially for fans who know him on Law & Order. Unless you really love Stockard Channing—I don't; she's just too angry-looking all the time—you'll probably want to load up on your Jack McCoy fix the way nature intended, with a Law & Order marathon.
Wizard-8
I have a good feeling that most (if not all) the few people who saw this movie during its brief theatrical release felt ripped off. Despite having the title "Sweet Revenge", and involving a female car thief, there is almost nothing that could be labelled exploitation. The title refers to a character's car with that name instead of a character's ambition. Also, there is no sex, just two (brief) scenes of nudity, and the only action there is turns out to be a car chase that lasts only forty or so seconds. As it turns out, the movie is more of a character study than having a B movie spirit. Despite being disappointed that the movie wasn't typical drive-in fodder, I was open to the movie being a serious drama... as long as it was good. Unfortunately, that is not the case. It's a real slow-moving story, for one thing, and the constant spinning of its wheels eventually grows tiresome and had me wishing that the characters would just get on with it. Also, the central character played by Stockard Channing is neither sympathetic nor an interesting flawed character. It's hard to figure out what's going on in this character's head. In the end, the movie's only seeming worth is to answer why Hollywood movie studio Metro Goldwyn Mayer was having a real tough time connecting with audiences in the 1970s. Though the question as to why someone thought that Stockard Channing doing a nude scene was a good idea remains unanswered.
SnoopyStyle
Vurrla Kowsky (Stockard Channing) has an eye for a new Ferrari Dino. She's a car thief and gets pulled over. Her public defender Philip Le Clerq (Sam Waterston) assumes that she's a victim of circumstances and tries to reform her. In reality, she gave a false identity and constantly lies to him. She has many aliases and is an unrepentant thief. Philip follows her back to her rundown boarded up place. Only her car radio stealing best friend Edmund knows her real name. Sweet Revenge is her car's name. Philip tries to help her despite continuously being lied to.This little-seen Stockard Channing indie is a nice showcase for her. The film works best when she's paired with Waterston. It really should be a film about the two of them. The film stagnates without them together even when she does some crazy stuff. Their back and forth injects a fun chemistry into the movie.
punishmentpark
Yes, this film involves fancy cars, but don't expect any crazy rides, well, maybe just one in the end, and even that is pretty short.'Sweet revenge' tells the tale of a young woman who wants to live life her own way, and owning a particular sports car epitomizes this. Even though it is ultimately a material goal, the irresistibly charming Stockard Channing convinced me that Vurrla Kowsky has her heart in the right place. The tale is ultimately a bleak one, but thanks to Channing and the apt hands of Jerry Schatzberg, there is a glimmer of positivity shining all the way through. Well, maybe not for fancy-car lovers - this should count a warning for them; watch at your own risk!Another thoroughly enjoyable film from the '70s, with lingo, characters and colours to match. 9 out of 10.
AD
