- 1991movierewind
Episode #112: If Looks Could Kill
Listen to Episode 112 of the Podcast here while you enjoy the show notes.
SUMMARY - In If Looks Could Kill, Michael Corben is a top secret CIA agent deployed to France on an international mission. A different Michael Corben (played by Richard Greico) is traveling to France on a summer school trip. When the actual spy is killed, the student gets wrapped up in a dangerous case of mistaken identity.
Screenplay by Darren Star; Directed by William Dear; and released on March 15, 1991.
PREVIEWS
We have a couple commercials starting us off. First, Al B Sure wants to talk to you about recycling
Then there was a strange ad for Nothing But Trouble
Lastly, Daffy and Bugs want to sell you a catalog that will sell you stuff.
FILM DISCUSSION
Not a very strong start, comedy wise for this one.
But even though it didn't cause uproarious laughter, there were a few good gags
At it's hard, it's a Bond parody and it checks all the boxes pretty well. There's action and explosions
Some spy gadgets that actually become useful
Side character villains with fun gimmicks like the necklace whip
Dangerous women
Intrigue and a devious plot and innocents put in danger
But yet there's still quite a bit that falls short in what is an entertaining, if yet underwhelming, adventure.
Awards Talk: At the Saturn Awards, it was nominated for Best Director, Best Supporting Actress (Bartlett), and Best Fantasy Film
TRUE CRIME & POP CULTURE
This week we don't have any true crime segment to talk about so we jump right into pop culture.
Did you know that Richard Grieco is an artist?
On the music side, we had to talk about the rockin' If Looks Could Kill Soundtrack
Here's the title song from Glenn Madieros
and one of our favorite's "Teach me How to Dream"
Staying on music, here are the Billboard Hot 100 Bottom 5 songs as of March 16, 1991
100. This is Ponderous - 2nu
99. Heartbreak Station - Cinderella
98. Don’t Hold Back Your Love - Hall & Oates
97. One In A Million - Trixster (who was also on the If Looks Could Kill Soundtrack)
96. Ooh This I Need - Elisa Fiorillo
Lastly, we briefly mention the Nintendo: White Knuckle Scorin album. - https://www.discogs.com/release/1921260-Various-Nintendo-White-Knuckle-Scorin
RANKINGS & RATINGS
Nikki 1-5 star scale - 3 out of 5
Jon 0-4 star scale - 2 out of 4
Would you watch it again? - Surprisingly yes, we both would. Sort of like Suburban Commando, it's a fun, cheesy movie. There's some action in there, it's well-paced and has a few decent jokes (even if a lot of them fall flat) that adds to the charm of a movie that could have been much better, but also much, much worse.
If you want to watch If Looks Could Kill, as of this recording in May 2023, it’s available on VHS, DVD. Check your local listings.
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