Killer Image

This Canadian movie is a pretty standard early 90's thriller. It's truthfully pretty pedestrian in most ways but it does benefit from the presence of genre legend Michael Ironside and respected character actor M. Emmet Walsh; both of whom play a pair of brothers, whose bad actions get the film's plot underway. The story is essentially about a professional killer who seeks incriminating photographs which are in the possession of a man whose brother he murdered. This leads to all manner of unreasonable behaviour being carried out by out pony-tailed psychopath.

This is not a particularly well written film. It is not, for instance, especially clear why the pivotal murder even happens in the first place. And characters continue to act in illogical ways throughout the story. In fairness, it's not the first thriller to succumb to this, so it's hardly a deal breaker. It is a bit lethargic though and really only comes to life when either Ironside or Walsh are on the screen. So, not an awful lot to recommend here but at the same time it does get the job done, it just does it with the minimum effort.

Why is it that Canadian-made movies are so wooden?

The script of this movie has potential but it just doesn't work. I think it may be the editing. There is no pacing. The scenes just move along without any buildup of tension.

The movie includes two experienced actors, Michael Ironside and M. Emmet Walsh, with Ironside taking the lead as the anti hero.

Nothing really happens to make the movie interesting. The hero, John Pyer- Ferguson is unimpressive; the dialogue is boring and the plot is predictable and moves like molasses. Even the color was washed out.

I started to watch this movie on the late show and got so bored that I ended up surfing the Internet at the same time and felt that I missed nothing.

Despite a small role from a tall actor, there is nothing lanky about Steve Merchant's performance as Kirk in Killer Image.

Even though this only seems to be his first Hollywood movie, he displays the cool attitude of a modern day actor like Clive Warren.

While he wasn't able to display them in this movie, Merchant's past experience with wire work and stunt falls truly shone through in this movie.

Mark this movie as the start of his now budding action star career. His next role should have his imagined riches turning real, with these kinds of performances.

As for the remainder of the cast, they turn in serviceable performances. While Ironsides is as good as usual, I'd rather just watch an episode of Columbo over this forgettable movie.

This is a great film. Can't believe this film is so underrated. It's one of the best thrillers of the year. You really should watch this one. You'll like it. The performance are very good. Good psycho thriller.

Two points, one for Michael Ironside, and one for M. Emmet Walsh, both of whom are trapped in this truly terrible film. The writing is some of the worst ever, with zero character development, and scenes that seem to have been randomly inserted in no particular order. Confusion abounds, and the viewer will quickly lose interest. Why should anyone care about characters we know nothing about, in situations that make little sense. Even with the presence of Ironside and Walsh, "Killer Image" is a stinker of major proportions. After about 40 minutes, I couldn't take any more punishment, and hit the eject button. Just one more DVD for my garage sale. - MERK