midtownfilmdude
"Widow's Kiss" is a well-crafted film-noir thriller with a steamy performance from Beverly D'Angelo as a woman who lives off the avails of rich, lonely men. The film is well directed by Peter Foldy and delivers some strong production values. Mackenzie Astin (brother of Sean and son of Patty Duke) is great as the boy who suddenly inherits D'Angelo as his seductive stepmom. Bruce Davison is solid as Astin's dad and Dennis Haysbert gives a grounded performance as a down on his luck detective hired to solve a murder. At the end of the day, it is Ms. D'Angelo who carries the film as the cold-hearted Vivian. She bares all here and was at the top of her game when she made this film.Though some of the dialogue may sound a bit on the money, "Widow's Kiss" is a great little film that should have gotten much more attention. It was an HBO World Premier back in the mid-90s and it's still a fun, sexy ride 20 years later. Would be nice to see this re-released on Blue Ray or DVD with a director's commentary.
BloodTheTelepathicDog
The most underrated actress, Beverly D'Angelo, is given a role that she can sink her teeth into. Her portrayal of the professional widow Vivian Fairchild was magnificent. Ms. D'Angelo captures the deceit of a career scam-artist perfectly, with sensual cunning and craftiness.Mackenzie Astin does a fine job as well, portraying a young man who has now lost both of his parents tragically.People should find much to like about this film. The jazz soundtrack was first rate as well as the sets. Leslie Horan is an ethereal beauty that should be seen more often.This film belongs to Beverly D'Angelo, although more screen time is given to Astin and his private detective, Dennis Haysbert(Major League's Serrano). She hasn't lost a bit of appeal over the years, and continues to amaze me by the depth she brings to her characters.
devilgeezer
Harmless enough with zero originality and a hardly believable string of events with some very soft porn thrown in for good measure. The characters are inconsistent and unrealistic. The token Brit lawyer is hilarious to any British person as a typical American stereotype of anyone British and it is strangely late 80's for a mid 90's film in both fashion and originality. The best line is when the world weary private detective explains why he has lost his enthusiasm for the job -'I woke up one morning and realised I wasn't 25 anymore and it p****d me off'. Watch only if you have no other options and leave all senses of reasoning.
snowbird2001
The NY Times called this movie "dryly witty" and it is. The performances are good but the dialogue is great. Most of the jokes are inside and sly, but if you're smart, you'll get it. My girlfriend and I loved it. Our favorite line: When Dennis Haysberg, a burned out cop, is asked why he's such a prick he says: "I woke up one day and I wasn't 25 anymore. It p***ed me off." The movie is full of great lines like that and the story works.
AD
