“If Looks Could Kill” is a 1991 action-comedy film about a high school student who gets mistaken for a spy. The film is fast-paced, with plenty of car chases, explosions, and high-tech gadgets. The protagonist, played by Richard Grieco, is a suave and confident teenager who must use his wits and charm to stay alive in the dangerous world of espionage. Along the way, he falls in love with a beautiful agent played by Linda Hunt, who helps him navigate the treacherous terrain of international espionage. Despite its formulaic plot and predictable twists, “If Looks Could Kill” is an entertaining romp that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
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Review
If Looks Could Kill – A Tale of Murder and Deception
Dan Ariely here, and today I want to delve into the world of the movie “If Looks Could Kill.” This 1991 film, directed by William Dear, tells the story of a high school student turned spy who finds himself in over his head in a plot to save his fellow classmates from a terrorist threat. The film stars Richard Grieco as Michael Corben, the suave yet clueless protagonist, and Linda Hunt as Augustus Steranko, the villainous mastermind behind the plot.
The storyline of “If Looks Could Kill” is a classic tale of espionage and intrigue. Michael Corben is an underachiever who just wants to graduate high school and move on with his life. However, when he gets mistaken for a spy by the CIA, he finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Steranko. Along the way, he meets fellow agent Mariska (Robin Bartlett), who helps him navigate this precarious world.
Many fans of this movie may not know that it was actually inspired by real-life events. In 1986, a group of Libyan terrorists bombed La Belle nightclub in Berlin, killing two American soldiers and injuring hundreds more. This event was the basis for the film’s plot as Steranko plans to detonate a bomb at a similar nightclub in France.
The acting performances in “If Looks Could Kill” are nothing short of entertaining. Richard Grieco brings his charisma to the role of Michael Corben, making him a likable yet goofy character. And Linda Hunt is deliciously evil as Augustus Steranko – her performance alone is worth watching this film for.
The film also features some memorable lines such as when Michael says “I’m not even good at being fake,” or when Mariska warns him about Steranko: “She’s got ice water running through her veins.”
One aspect that sets this film apart is its score. Composed by David Foster, the soundtrack is a mix of high-energy ’80s-style pop songs and more orchestral pieces that add tension to the more suspenseful scenes. The main theme song “If Looks Could Kill” by John Waite is a catchy tune that encapsulates the film’s essence.
Filming for “If Looks Could Kill” took place in both Canada and France, giving the movie an authentic European feel. The shots of Paris are particularly beautiful and add to the glamour of this spy adventure.
Critics were divided on their evaluation of this film. Some saw it as a fun, tongue-in-cheek take on the spy genre while others criticized it for being too silly and lacking substance. However, audiences seemed to enjoy it, making over $7 million at the box office.
Despite not receiving any major industry awards, “If Looks Could Kill” has gained a cult following over the years. Fans appreciate its mix of action, humor, and romance all wrapped up in a stylish package.
The cinematography in “If Looks Could Kill” is often overlooked but deserves special mention. The camera angles used during Michael’s introduction scene perfectly convey his slacker attitude while the use of shadows during Steranko’s lair scenes creates an eerie atmosphere.
The special effects of this movie are not groundbreaking by today’s standards but were impressive for their time. The shot of Michael soaring through the air after being catapulted from Steranko’s plane still holds up as a thrilling moment.
The dialogue in this film can be cheesy at times, but it adds to its charm. Lines like “Stereotypes are bad enough without you living up to them,” spoken by Mariska to Michael after he crashes his car into a fruit stand while posing as a French racecar driver, are memorable for their hilarity.
The crews behind “If Looks Could Kill” did an excellent job with production design. Steranko’s lair is a masterclass in villainous hideouts, complete with a shark tank and a plethora of gadgets. And the high school scenes are spot-on, capturing the awkwardness and cliques that exist in any average American high school.
The editing of this movie is also worth mentioning. The film moves at a brisk pace, never lagging or losing momentum. And the action scenes are well-executed, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
In conclusion, “If Looks Could Kill” may not be an Academy Award-winning movie, but it remains a fun and entertaining viewing experience. From its quirky characters to its exciting action scenes, this film has something for every spy movie fan out there. So grab some popcorn and settle in for a night of espionage and humor – you won’t be disappointed!
Technical Data
- Runtime : 88
- Release : 1991-03-15
- Genre : Action, Comedy
- Cast : Richard Grieco as Michael Corben, Gabrielle Anwar as Mariska, Roger Rees as Augustus Steranko, Linda Hunt as Ilsa Grunt, Robin Bartlett as Patricia Grober
- Crew : John F. Link as Editor, Marion Dougherty as Casting, Douglas Milsome as Director of Photography, Mary E. McLeod as Costume Design, Sharon Howard-Field as Casting
- Popularity 10.363
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : $7,788,597
- Company : Warner Bros. Pictures
- Summary : Michael Corben, along with the rest of his high-school French class, sets out for a trip to France when he is mistaken for an agent of the same name. He is beseiged by both the good guys and the bad guys. British Intelligence outfits him with a series of James-Bond-like gizmos, and Steranko sends more would-be assassins after him. Can Michael stop the evil Steranko’s plans for European domination?
- Tagline : He’s having the adventure of someone else’s life.
