IF LOOKS COULD KILL
(director: William Dear; screenwriter: Darren Star/story by Fred Dekkar; cinematographer: Doug Milsome; editor: John F. Link; music: David Foster; cast: Richard Grieco (Michael Corben), Linda Hunt (Ilsa Grunt), Roger Rees (Augustus Steranko), Robin Bartlett (Mrs. Grober, French teacher), Gabrielle Anwar (Mariska), Carole Davis (Areola Canasta), Roger Daltrey (Blade), Geraldine James (Vendetta Gallante); Runtime: 88; MPAA Rating: PG-13; producers: Craig Zadan/Neil Meron; Warner Brothers; 1991)
“It spoofs the James Bond action film, but without much humor.”
Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz
An inane and tiresome juvenile spoof that marks the screen debut of heartthrob TV star of “21 Jump Street” Richard Grieco. It spoofs the James Bond action film, but without much humor as it panders to the youth market. It’s based on the story by Fred Dekkar and is written by Darren Star. Director William Dear of “Harry and the Hendersons” is clueless on how to direct this gross film.
Michael Corben (Richard Grieco) is a frisky high school student vacationing with his French school club in France. He’s mistaken there for a CIA agent. When he objects, British intelligence don’t believe his protests. They thereby supply him with a red sports car, tuxedo and high-tech weapons. The kid goes along with the mistaken identity, expressing a wry amusement at the mistake.
The plot has megalomaniac chairman of the European Economic Community, Augustus Steranko (Roger Rees), scheming to control Europe and issue gold coinage in his own image. Linda Hunt plays Ilsa Grunt, the loyal assassin and chief enforcer for Augustus. In the end, Corben brings down the baddie with help from the sexy Mariska (Gabrielle Anwar).
Roger Daltrey, one of the Bond players, has a cutesy role as the villain Blade.
If you choose to see such junk, you deserve what you get. The tasteless entertainment centers around a number of violent acts and many lewd sight gags, and a particularly obnoxious scene of Grieco in public in his underwear.
REVIEWED ON 5/19/2015 GRADE: C- https://dennisschwartzreviews.com/