On S List of Movie Reviews
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Seconds (1966)
Rate:
3
Viewed:
6/14
6/14:
Seconds.
Now, that's what a bad film looks like. Trying to recapture the glory of
The Manchurian Candidate (even Dr. Yen Lo is reused here), John
Frankenheimer turns it into a disjointed mess. The grape-stomping scene is the key point of no return.
Although the plot is somewhat straightforward, the execution doesn't come off as crisp enough. In fact, it should've been
relegated to a 25-minute episode for The Twilight Zone. At least this way, it'll be more appreciated, capturing
the spirit of the show.
If there's any surprise, it's the casting of Rock Hudson for this type of picture. He does well and actually rises to the
occasion. However, I can never believe in his character's unhappiness for a second after going under the knife to end up
looking so much better than the other guy and be transplanted to an oceanfront house in Malibu, California, hooking up with a
friend with benefits.
All in all, more clarity will go a long way for Seconds.