Film Review: Cruel and Unusual (Watchtower, 2001)

Among countless serial killers appearing in films, main character of Cruel and Unusual a.k.a. Watchtower, 2001 Canadian thriller directed by George Mihalka, stands out for his unusual modus operandi. Art Stoner (played by Tom Berenger) likes to kill his victims only after seducing them. After killing English literature professor Adam Terrell (played by Ely Gabal), he takes his identity and comes to small seaside town on Pacific Northwest where he would take a job of lighthouse keeper. One of the locals who catches his attention is Kate O’Conner (played by Rachel Hayward), young woman who was, following father’s death, forced to make ends meet by fishing. Her younger brother Mike (played by Tygh Runyan) returns from Chicago burdened with debts, suspended prison sentence and drinking problems. Kate, in order to get Mike out of trouble, arranges him to get job at the lighthouse where he would be make company for mysterious and attractive stranger. Kate soon begins romantic relationship with Art, convinced that he is exactly the father figure Mike needs to set his life on proper path. Mike, however, spends more time with Art than his infatuated sister and begins to realise that his colleague perhaps isn’t what he claims to be.

Cruel and Unusual was directed by George Mihalka, Canadian director specialised in low budget films and best known for 1981 slasher film My Bloody Valentine. It features attractive landscapes of British Columbia and rather interesting characters. Tom Berenger, always dependable in his roles, whether they are heroes and villains, delivers another solid performance. However, the rest of the cast isn’t that impressive and the plot soon becomes to look recycled, including “surprise” twist that wouldn’t surprise anyone. While Cruel and Unusual is watchable, it is unlikely to make most viewers satisfied after hour and half of running time.

RATING: 3/10 (+)

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