Richard Chatten
What starts out as a potentially disturbing thriller about the vulnerability of women to disturbed and violent men - even in a public place - ends up becoming almost comical as the police blunder about like the Keystone Kops in pursuit of a villain who puts more effort into looking sinister than developing any proficiency as a serial killer. TV producer Gary Baylor (William Shatner) actually has a short speech breathlessly detailing to journalist Deborah Ballin (Lee Grant) how tip-top the security is in the hospital in which she's a patient; to which she moans: "There's NO security! He's in, he's out!" And she's right!Michael Ironside as Colt Hawker might as well be stomping about wearing a T-shirt with "PSYCHOTIC LONER" printed in capitals on it, but throughout the film has the run of the place without ever attracting attention despite making no attempt to put those around him off their guard by at least attempting to behave like a normal human being.More and more police pile into the building, but Hawker is never short of deserted corridors down which to skulk; and the only time the cops ever seem to stir themselves out of their torpor is to obstruct people who are genuinely trying to help. Fortunately Hawker is as inept as they are at his chosen vocation of psycho-killer, and proves easily distracted into pursuing other potential victims who attract his attention rather than killing his original intended victims when he has the chance.
Rainey Dawn
This is a movie I seen as a teen that gave me the creeps - and I think of this film every time I go to a hospital *shivers*.The movie is a thriller and has some slasher type qualities to it. Most people do not identify this film as a slasher film I guess because it did not have 10 sequels after the first.If you have a love for horror/thrillers then you may like Visiting Hours. The movie seems to be underground these days and should be brought back into the "must see horror arena". It is quite chilling and will leave you on the edge of your seat.I have to agree with other reviews I've read on Visiting Hours that maybe the reason this film is so underrated is because Bill Shatner is in the film. William has played other movie and TV roles quite well but most people only see him as Kirk and cannot shake that image - he's been wrongfully stereotyped. Shatner's role in this film was good! Do not let your love or dislike of William Shatner keep you from watching and, maybe, enjoying this film.8.5/10
cameron-kills-it
"Visiting Hours" is the intense story of Deborah Ballin, a women's rights activist who causes much controversy in her decision to support a woman who killed her abusive husband. This decision causes a psychotic misogynist to hunt down Ms.Ballin and kill her. However, his violent attack only sends her to the local hospital, where she makes friends with a kind-hearted nurse. The psychopath then hunts her and all those close to her down in order to finish what he started. Although it sounds like your typical '80s slaughter-thon, this movie actually has more depth to it than most. Instead of b-actors that don't know what they're doing, this cast is made up of some pretty good actors such as Academy-Award winner Lee Grant, William Shatner, the ever-creepy Michael Ironside, and Linda Purl. I believe that Ironside was perfectly cast here and gives a great performance as a soulless, evil killer. Another thing that sets this apart from the other slasher flicks is the dark-nature of the violence. Most of these flicks are very gory, but they are mostly light-hearted and campy. This was just dark and quite mean-spirited, which makes the movie very effective. I certainly recommend this frightening little gem!Rated: R for Violence and Profanity
merklekranz
This is a very frustrating movie. It has it's moments of suspense, a relentless killer well played by Michael Ironside, a couple effective jump scares, a script that upgrades the slasher genre by cleverly including some character development, and all of the above I like. Unfortunately offsetting the good is a very unsympathetic, unlikable heroine news reporter played by Lee Grant, at least a bunch of logic sinkholes that swallow all believability, William Shatner appearing in a non essential supporting role that goes absolutely nowhere, and an overlong run time for such an obvious story. Overall, "Visiting Hours" is watchable for Ironside's creepy performance, but just barely. - MERK
AD
