Murder at 1600 Review
by "Nick Schaden" (cpunut AT uslink DOT net)September 13th, 1997
MURDER AT 1600 (1997)
A film review by Nick Schaden
Copyright 1997 Nick Schaden
"Murder at 1600" is a movie that starts with promise but ends in disappointment. It's a candy that initially tastes sweet but has a horrible aftertaste.
It isn't necessary for me to ramble on and on about "Murder at 1600"'s plot, in its most simple form it's an investigation of a murder inside the White House. In the opening scenes that introduce the audience to the characters and story line director Dwight Little takes us for a fascinating ride. I couldn't help but be swept away by both the plot and the strong main character of Wesley Snipes. Luckily, the plot doesn't attempt to show some "hidden past" or tough background detective Harlan Regis (Wesley Snipes) has. Instead, "Murder at 1600" jumps quickly into the movie's main plot. The movie smartly doesn't dwell in any subplots, which would only hinder and slow down this kind of picture.
After roughly a half hour into "Murder At 1600"'s plot, slowly but surely things turn for the worse. Of chief importance, the movie's once strong plot drops like a rock with unrealistic and head scratching situations. Why is the President's son determined (and starting to succeed) at having sex in "every room in the White House"? Why would a sane person commit murder to change foreign policy? How does the White House have a secret "back door" and passages seemingly everywhere that can lead to any portion of the building? How could a cop-impersonating-janitor get himself within ten yards of the President?
However, it must be stressed that not all is bad in "Murder at 1600". Dennis Miller makes a great partner/sidekick for Snipes's character. In addition, the other major actors save the movie, Wesley Snipes, Diane Lane and Alan Alda have solid performances.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a great story of corruption in government, don't pick up this movie or the dud "Absolute Power". Even with some solid acting, "Murder at 1600"'s horrible plot destroys any hope this movie had of being above average.
Nick's Rating = -2
*** Movies rated from -4 (worst) to +4 (best), 0 = average movie ***
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Nick Schaden
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