KISS THE GIRLS

(director/writer: Gary Fleder; screenwriter: David Klass, based on the novel by James Patterson; cinematographer: Aaron Schneider; editors: William Steinkamp, Harvey Rosenstock; music: Mark Isham; cast: Morgan Freeman (Alex Cross), Ashley Judd (Kate McTiernan), Cary Elwes (Nick Ruskin), Alex McArthur (Sikes), Tony Goldwyn (Will Rudolph), Jay O. Sanders (Kyle Craig), Bill Nunn (Sampson); Runtime: 117; MPAA Rating: R; producers: David Brown, Joe Wizen; Paramount Pictures; 1997)

“Good lead performances, a stylish production and atmospheric visuals, make the so-so thriller watchable for the undemanding viewer.” 

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

Gary Fleder (“The Bayou”/”Runaway Jury”) directs and co-writes with David Klass an entertaining but superficial serial killer flick–a wannabe gimmicky plotted “Silence of the Lamb,” that’s infinitely inferior. It’s based on the novel by James Patterson.

Alex Cross (Morgan Freeman) is a respected DC detective and forensic psychologist. He’s informed that his niece has been kidnapped by the elusive madman known as Casanova, and heads to rural Durham, NC, to help the police in their investigation.


Kate McTiernan (Ashley Judd), a medical intern and student of kick boxing, is snatched by Cassanova but escapes his lair, used as a harem for his collection of pretty women vics, as she runs through the forest with the madman chasing her. Kate’s info helps Cross nab the killer in the third act (who is then identified, as a surprise to not even the casual viewer of formulaic serial killer flicks).

Good lead performances, a stylish production and atmospheric visuals, make the so-so thriller watchable for the undemanding viewer.

REVIEWED ON 6/25/2024  GRADE: B-