Directed by Jim McBride
- Written by Michael
Hirst
Starring Kate Beckinsale
& John Wood
Distributed by Artisan -
1994 - 112m - Rated PG13
TC Candler's Review
B
Beckinsale's early break on the way to superstardom.
This film's premise is
very intriguing but falters under the unbearable weight of
"made-for-Sunday-afternoon-TV" production values and a
paint-by-numbers revelation of plot points.
This early Kate Beckinsale vehicle is a pretty rare find on DVD. It
probably won't be on the top shelf of your local DVD chain. You'll
probably have to buy it online if you want to see it... either that or
stumble across it in a bargain bin somewhere at a highway truck-stop.
The film juxtaposes two timelines. One alluded to in a 500 year old
painting. The other in present day (1994) Barcelona, where the lovely
Beckinsale plays an art restoration expert who uncovers a hidden
portion of the painting.
That hidden section leads to clues of a murder from 500 years ago and
to a string of murders happening all around her.
The film is cheesy. Overacting rears its head on several cringe-worthy
moments. But the film is twisty and turny enough to hold interest
throughout.
Beckinsale is the one joy to watch in the film. You can see at a very
early age that she has star potential. Fans of Kate will want to check
this film out... if only for her "Uncovered" scenes.
It is not a classic. But it is good fun. Prepare for some melodrama,
some cornball moments, some Kate, some more Kate... and a silly little
mystery that will have you guessing to the end.
The B is for Beckinsale... The rest of the film would only merit a C.
