On W List of Movie Reviews
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Wildfire (1988)
Rate:
3
Viewed:
9/15
9/15:
Despite what Wildfire has to offer, it's too low-budget to be enjoyable.
The first reason why I went for the film is Zalman King's attachment as the director. He has identifiable trademarks, but I'm
surprised to see nearly none of them in this. The second reason is Steven Bauer who's in a rare leading role. A
capable actor, he would've been a good fit for 40's noir pictures.
In Wildfire, Steven Bauer does a great job of making most of his character. Yet it's Linda Fiorentino who ruins
everything. The trouble is her frigidity. No matter how beautiful she looks, there's a façade she radiates that kills
any chance of chemistry with her co-stars. Because of this, the story becomes ridiculous as Steven Bauer's character
tries everything as possible to impress her.
Zalman King also makes the mistake of forgoing the development of romance during the reform school phase. Had he done that,
the passion between the doomed lovers might feel cogent. Instead, it's just dead.
All in all, Wildfire needs a better budget, a more believable lead actress, and a stronger story.