rixrex Review of Twist of Fate

Twist of Fate (1998)

Mulkey is very good, but film bogs down in ridiculous notions...

[29 July 2007]

You'll want to see this if you like Chris Mulkey, as it is one of his best performances and, fortunately for him, he's the most interesting character in the whole show. However, this is full of all kinds of plot devices that are both absurd and ridiculous. Contrary to the plot summary listed here, it is not about a serial killer and his accomplice; it is about a serial killer and a copycat killer. Since we learn the killer's identity right away, the trial that comes afterwards is a given to infuriate viewers as the 1st killer is found not guilty since there is not enough evidence to make a conviction. Truthfully, this case would NOT have gone beyond a preliminary hearing had the DA even decided to attempt to indict on such weak evidence. And there's even one juror hold-out who wants to send the guy up for murder based upon a "gut feeling". Our gut feeling comes from the fact we already know the killers identity! The lady DA and the investigating cop show themselves to both be corrupt in a later frame-up of the killer, but it's supposed to be okay since he got off before. There are several more absurdities that follow before we get to the end where two killers are convicted of murders they did not commit. But surely it must be fine doings since we viewers know they are guilty of other murders. Anyone with any intelligence at all will view this tripe with disgust at the way the judicial system is twisted around by manipulative lawyers and cops, the end results justifying the means.