A Kiss Goodnight

A David C. Raskov presentation of an Exposition Park Pictures production. (International sales: GEL, L.A.) Produced by Lori Miller, Daniel Raskov. Co-producers, Gary Depew, Brad Southwick. Directed, written by Raskov.

Kurt Pierson ... Al Corley
Natalie Collins ... Paula Trickey
Michael Turner ... Mark Moses
Sgt. Harwood ... Lawrence Tierney
Marcia ... Sydney Walsh
Carl Jasper ... Brett Cullen
Sam ... James Karen

"Fatal Attraction" is revisited yet again, but although "A Kiss Goodnight" is well crafted and contains a couple of good performances, writer/director Daniel Raskov hasn't come up with anything original enough to make this one stand out from the crowd. Sharper scripting and denser plotting would have made all the difference, because Raskov shows talent as a director and avoids the exploitation route. Average vid sales are indicated.

Drama hinges on a brief but initially satisfying affair enjoyed by Matilda (Paula Trickey), a young advertising exec, with Kurt (Al Corley), a stranger she meets in a bar while her boyfriend is working long hours as a medical resident. For a couple of sexy nights, Matilda has a good time, but then she decides that Michael (Mark Moses) is the one she wants. Naturally, Kurt won't take rejection lying down, and starts harassing and stalking Matilda, eventually killing both her secretary and her best friend.

In the early scenes, Raskov builds up the sexual tension with some skill, but ultimately we've been here before many times, and the helmer doesn't bring any new twists to the material. Lawrence Tierney does a turn as the inevitable skeptical cop (though he's surely too old to be holding down this sort of job).

The best thing the film has going for it is Trickey's neat perf as the threatened heroine; she's obviously capable of bigger and better things.

Technical credits are all pro, with excellent lensing by Glenn Kershaw.

Camera (color), Glenn Kershaw; editor, Amy Tompkins; music, Chris Caswell; stunts, Scott Ateah; assistant director, Southwick; casting, Karen Margiotta. Reviewed at Cannes Film Festival (market), May 18, 1994. Running time: 88 MIN.

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