The storyline is interesting enough (although it's a blend of 8 MM, The Ring, and In the Mouth of Madness). The acting is fine. Cody Carpenter's soundtrack is good. I didn't really mind the angel portion even though it doesn't seem necessary. My problem is that you shouldn't set up a difficult situation and then try to resolve it in a one hour episode with lots of subplots thrown in. The film has had many people searching for it (some are willing to spend lots of money for it), yet Kirby finds it way too easily. He is told that the critic doesn't see anyone and won't talk about the film, yet how does he gain immediate entrance? By saying he is there to discuss the film. He is told it is difficult to get anything from the wife yet she buzzes him in on no basis whatsoever and hands over the film easily. And of course, when you are killing someone and demand information, the victim will spend his dying breath telling you exactly what you want to know. Just weak and lazy writing all around. Chop out the subplots and maybe you can do a better job of moving the main plot along intelligently. Another writer's error is to build something up throughout the story (the most horrific film ever) and then actually show it so the audience can be let down. Otherwise the story could have worked fairly well.
Review of John Carpenter's Cigarette Burns
