justmjw Reviews

Manhunter (1986)

Suspenseful and fun

[26 November 2002]

As I watched Manhunter the first time I kept thinking something about it seemed familiar. From the credits I discovered it was from Red Dragon by Thomas Harris, a book I had read.

William Peterson plays the enigmatic FBI agent Will Graham, who has left the job after almost being killed by Hannibal Lechter, but who is now coaxed back to help catch a killer who is murdering whole families in different locations in the United States.

I enjoyed Brian Cox as Lechter. He displays the "normal" quality of Lechter which allowed him to go undetected for so long before being arrested and receiving the moniker, "Hannibal the Cannibal". Perhaps because I saw Manhunter before Silence of the Lambs, I prefer Cox to Anthony Hopkins in the role.

The Freddy Lounds character is the stereotypical reporter you love to hate. He's in Graham's face and as obnoxious as they come. You almost root for something bad to happen to him.

Tom Noonan is delightful as the quiet Francis Dolarhyde. He's the loner that no one notices. I pitied him, then I feared him.

I recommend this film for those who enjoy suspense with a bit of a horror twist. It's not a horror film, but some of the elements are there. There is also a good soundtrack.

Under One Roof (I) (1995)

A Wonderful Program Which Should Have Lasted Much Longer.

[27 March 2001]

Watching Under One Roof was a delight. Of course James Earl Jones is fantastic, but even beyond his presence the program was entertaining and thought provoking.

The characters were real people and had real problems. Ayesha, the daughter who changed her name from that given to her by her parents--Beverly, is a strong female. She is true to herself. When her boyfriend is seeing another woman, she leaves him because it's obvious they don't want the same kind of relationship. She lives with the pain of breaking up, rather than endure being in love with someone who isn't in love with her.

The grandson has many lessons to learn. His behavior reflects modern times, as shown when he calls his mother an obscenity. The son deals with racism on the job, even being the owner of a construction company. The daughter-in-law faces her role in life, and what she wants to do beyond being a wife and mother.

Each week I came to care for these characters a little more. I looked forward to spending time with them. Unfortunately, the show was cancelled after being continually switched around in the schedule.

If you have the opportunity to see these episodes, by all means watch them. It's disheartening when they end. You want to see more of the family. Still, it's worth it to see the little taste we have of such a fine treat.