On S List of Movie Reviews

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A Shock to the System (1990)

Rate: 5
Viewed: 7/25

7/25: A Shock to the System is classified as a black comedy?

I didn't think murdering the wife or coworkers was funny. So, what else is there to laugh at? Nothing. Instead, I'm treated to a dull script. Some have said the film needs a better director. No, it's the writing that's flat. The voice-over narration doesn't help, either.

Michael Caine is fine although he overacts for a bit while. The way he yelled at several guys on the floor just because Henry Park had moved into his office isn't realistic. Elizabeth McGovern is awful and isn't a good actress in general. Everybody else chips in, but it's mostly Michael Caine's show albeit in a vacuum. Don't blink, or you'll miss Samuel L. Jackson managing a card game during the opening credits.

No matter what happens, Graham Marshall will be caught. The gold lighter is too trivial, and it's hard to believe he would be worried by that. He's simply addicted to killing as it seems like the perfect solution to his own problems. But why doesn't he divorce his wife, sell the house, and maybe quit his job? I'm sure he'll do fine elsewhere with less pressure.

All in all, A Shock to the System is too routine for Michael Caine.

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