Pacific Heights (1990)

Synopsis: For landlords, it’s The Exorcist, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and A Nightmare on Elm Street all rolled into one.

Blurb From the VHS Jacket: “MICHAEL KEATON, MELANIE GRIFFITH and MATTHEW MODINE keep the adrenaline pumping in JOHN SCHLESINGER’S  chilling psychological thriller about two homeowners up against a pathological tenant.”

What Did I Learn?: Even when he’s not playing Batman, any character played by Michael Keaton can apparently withstand any number of savage beatings. Oh wait – I already learned that from One Good Cop.

You Might Like This Movie If: You enjoy watching shows that leave you in a white-hot rage.

Really?: 1) See “What Did I Learn?” 2) Funny how Drake (Matthew Modine) manages to find himself underneath Carter’s (Keaton) floorboards just as he discusses his nefarious plot to take the house – and he still can’t figure out what Carter’s up to. 3) How does Carter suddenly wind up with Drake’s personal financial information?

Rating: Pacific Heights is a terrible film. Comedies make you laugh; horror films scare the crap out of you, and a good drama can leave you in tears. For the first hour, Pacific Heights will only get you angry; the storyline repeats itself over and over: sicko tenant Carter (Keaton) does something awful, hotheaded landlord (and useless twat) Drake beats him up, and Carter wins a victory when the cops show up. While Keaton delivers a great performance, and his eventual comeuppance is satisfying, I cannot recommend this movie. 3/10 stars.

Would it Work for a BAD MOVIE NIGHT?: Not really.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100318/