Movie Review: Fatale

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Originally slated for a mid-June release, Deon Taylor's newest action thriller Fatale has finally found a home on video on demand after several delays but the more important question still stands: is it any good? I can say this for the movie, it definitely has it's moments. Even if those moments are few.

The film has some positives to it. I enjoyed Hilary Swank and Michael Ealy. This is by no means their best work but they do a serviceable job. The stalking by Hilary Swank's character is creepy enough but also somewhat unbelievable but it's fine. Most of Deon Taylor's films I find quite cheesy and overexaggerated but in the case of Fatale I thought it worked.

Unfortunately for Fatale, right off the bat you realize that this movie is going to have issues. For me, one of the biggest issues the film creates in the beginning is the set up for each character. Michael Ealy's character Derrick for example, is a man down in the dumps with lots going on in his life but the movie makes sure to mention how successful he once was and how great of an athlete he was! I think I am officially over the star who has made it but of course when we see them, they have nothing or are losing everything. His introduction to Hilary Swank's character Valerie is fine, but then things quickly escalate and Derrick finds himself in a world of trouble. Another issue I had was character choices as well as their reasoning. It's like they were looking to make the dumbest decisions or looking to do what most would avoid. I don't know it just felt forced and unnecessary.

I think the premise of the movie is a great one, but better execution was needed. I think a stronger script as well as clearer character motivation's would of helped the movie the most. The film I believe does have some good qualities about it, but again I think those are few.

Grade: D+

Fatale is out on video on demand now