Great Film overall

everything you have heard about this movie is true.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

Lots of target hit here: American paranoia over crime and violence (check out the TV police bulletin near the beginning), mob mentality (neighbours ratting on everybody else), vigilantism (a parking garage full of criminals can't wait to lynch the perp), inept cops, scheming mobsters and compliant media. For a Hollywood remake of a classic foreign film this is well above average. Maybe because it's shot as a B movie noir rather than a slick A-list reproduction. OK, sunny L.A. isn't exactly known for its street grit. But the director's choice to show most of the murderer's stalking very nearly as silent film dials up the creepiness despite the sunny skies. The other thing about scuzzy 50s B movies is they couldn't afford shmaltzy scores from A-list composers so these movies, esp viewed in the 21st century, aren't ruined by soaring violins and over-done timpanis, and various other musical tricks used by big-budget directors to tell us how to feel when we watch their movies. The movie hits a bit of a road bump when the flat-foots consult a head-shrink for some 1950s psycho-babble. Thankfully, that's over and done within a minute or two. I bet it was shot and added after the film was finished and cut, at the request of the Hays Office or some clown in the executive suite. I thought the perp's semi-coherent psycho-drivel near the end was quite effectively delivered. I couldn't decide whether the director wanted us to feel sympathy for him, or to show what a load of bollocks psychiatry is. In any event, a compelling ending. I'd like to see it back-to-back with the Frtiz Lang version, which is a nearly perfect film.

Oh my gosh, what a cheesy scene with the mock lawyer defending the accused against the mobsters and the angry parents. Nothing but shallow, trite, over-emotional, characterizations designed to alarm the audience. Subtly and sophistication ? Not at all. Why have meaningful ideas when the characters can just yell well-worn slogans. Do you like being provoked for the sake of being provoked? If yes then you will love this movie. Absolutely nothing is believable about this movie.

I had wanted to see this American remake of the classic 1931 Fritz Lang movie for some time, but apparently legal issues had caused the movie to be withdrawn until recently. Having seen the movie, was it worth the wait? Well, yes and no. Of course, like almost all remakes, this particular one isn't as good as the original. It does have some significant faults. There are some slow spots, for one thing. Also, the movie doubts the intelligence of the audience at times, spoon-feeding it blatant explanations for decisions various characters in the movie make. Speaking of the characters, some important characters (the mob boss, the chief police investigators, and even the child murderer himself) were not explored in enough depth to my taste.But all the same, the movie has some strengths. It's very good looking, for one thing. The photography is very good, some shots are very well composed, and you get to see some really interesting Los Angeles locations, such as the famed Bradbury building. There are some interesting themes explored here, like Gestapo-like actions from the police to manipulation of the press (by both the police and the city's criminal element.) And while the murderer's character was not in my opinion explored enough, he does come across as a creepy character because of both the direction of his scenes and David Wayne's very good performance. When you weigh the good stuff against the not so good stuff, the scale makes this to be an okay movie. Certainly not up to the original version, but not one deserving of all the critical slams it got when it was first released. The two movies would make an interesting double bill, but just make sure the original movie is the first of the pair that you see.

Saw this movie last night for the 1st time. I was impressed with whole remake of the original except the VHS video picture quality was quite poor!! I hope they hurry up and get this in a DVD format with clearer, sharper images!! The acting of David Wayne as the "baby killer" was great as was Howard DeSilva's "chainsmoking" police investigator and Martin Gabel's crime boss, and look closely for Raymond Burr's tough talking "goon" who is following orders from the crime boss. Really great overall performances from all involved also including Steve Brody, John Miljan (as blind man....where are all the women in this picture except the children!! No leading actress was featured. Photography on location with excellent use of the moving camera was really eye-filling!!! The fat, laughing lady and those floating balloons were part of the tension and irony. Great movie!!