User Reviews

I knew this movie was going to be crap before I even watched it. Nobody would give up everything they have to spend the night Hilary Swank. But as the hero drives off into the sunset one has to wonder why he wasn't under arrest for killing Hillary's ex-husband? Even if he didn't mean to do it the deed was still done and at the very least a manslaughter charge would be in the air.

If you're a perceptive viewer and have seen enough of these types of films, you'll know at the 1:08:40 mark that Val (Hilary Swank) did it, just about a second before Derrick Tyler (Michael Ealy) confirms it with his own suspicion. What Val did you'll have to watch the picture to find out, but know that from there on, the story line careens to an explosive ending with yet another twist that you'll probably see coming, as the gimmick has been used in countless movies. But while all this is going on, it does turn out to be a pretty good thriller that keeps you guessing until you don't have to. The picture does have it's share of clichéd dialog loaded with double entendre, as in my summary line, or when Val suggests to Derrick after a one night stand - "I don't go after something unless I know I can get it". Detective Val Quinlan is one determined police investigator with a personal goal who ensnares Derrick Tyler in a web of deceit of his own making, and you have to wonder just how bad one guy's luck could possibly get.

I was in the mood for a good film in which I didn't have to think too much as I was a bit tired. But I didn't want to not think at all, which was what I got. Within the first 20 minutes I knew this movie was garbage, but I persevered nonetheless, maybe I was judging too hastily. Nope. Not one likeable character, to the contrary they were all amoral scumbags with no moral compass. The main character catches his wife in the act of cheating on him with his best mate and instead of having any remorse she squares up to him with a wry smile and says "dont act surprised." Wow, what sort of person would do that to their spouse? Even for Hollywood that is cold. Anyway I didn't feel sorry for him because he's just as bad too. All the characters in this film are awful human beings, and you can't have a decent movie without at least one person who has some kind of redeeming quality. Oh, in addition, there are enough plot holes to make a golf course with.

Were there bruises on the intruder ? Who cleaned up her apartment ? Where did the bodies go ? Was death of her ex husband self defense ? So many unanswered questions. Glad I only paid 1$ Redbox rental.

1. This film started with droll unenthusiastic acting... I get the feeling that Hillary Swank has turned into a Nicolas Cage and will do any script.

2. The second I saw Hillary was an investigating detective (despite history, daughter's injury, powerful ex that she would have lost her badge) the story line was very predictable.

I had to turn this boring excuse for entertainment off after 25 minutes while jumping sporadically to the 50 min mark.

"Fatale" (2020 release; 102 min.) brings the story of Derrick, a married and successful sports agent in LA. As the movie opens, Derrick and his buddies are heading to a bachelor's party in Vegas, where Derrick meets Val, an LA investigative cop, and wouldn't you know, they end up in bed. When he returns to LA, the next night the house is robbed. The LA cops come out to investigate, led by Detective Quinlan, who turns out to be... Val. At this point we are 10 min. into the movie but to tell you more of the plot would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

Couple of comments: this is the latest film from director Deon Taylor, whose previous film, 2019's "Black and Blue", was a gritty and intense police drama. It was hence all the more surprisng when I saw "Fatale" (as in: femme fatale), which is a complete dud. At first it starts out as a possible "Fatal Attraction" type movie, but then it morphs into a "whodunnit" and then it morphs yet again. So many plot twists! And with each new one, it becomes less credible, until we reach the "utterly implausible" stage and this film has officially jumped the shark. Even that might be forgivable, if it wasn't that the film is outright boring on top of that. At no time was there any tension or was I emotionally invested in anyone of these characters. Hilary Swank as Val tries the best she can with the weak material she is given. Michael Ealy as Derrick is just awful, I'm sorry to say. That's called acting?!? Last but not least the movie is about 10-15 min. too long for its own good and certain scenes could've been cut without losing any of the film's plot I wish I could be more positive about this film, and given the quality of "Black and Blue". "Fatale" turns out to be a major disappointment for me.

"Fatale" was supposed to open this summer, but a little thing called COVID-19 had other plans. The film finally opened the weekend before Christmas. The early Sunday evening where I saw this at was attended dismally (5 people in a large auditorium, including myself). Regardless, I cannot in good conscience recommend this movie to anyone, but of course don't take my word for it and check it out for yourself, be it in the theater, on VOD, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray.

A recent throwback to the trashy Hollywood marital cautionary tales of yore starring Michael Ealy & 2 time Oscar winner Hillary Swank. Ealy is a sports agent along w/Mike Colter (Evil/Luke Cage) running a boutique agency outlet on the cusp of big things (Colter mentions a bigger agency wants to buy them out) but on the homefront, things are strained between he & his wife, played by Damaris Lewis, so much so that when Ealy & Colter are on a Vegas sojourn, Ealy meets up w/Swank & they go back to her room & wake up the next morning in flagrante delicto. Feeling guilty, Ealy outwardly tries to be the good husband by cooking his wife a meal but later on the same night an intruder breaks into their home & nearly kills him. Who should show up on the scene to lead the investigation but Swank. Swank's backstory has her being an alcoholic mother who was divorced by a prominent politician, played by Danny Pino (Cold Case/Law & Order: SVU), & took their daughter w/him. Ealy is thrown back by Swank's appearance & is nervous she'll reveal their tryst to Lewis but she doesn't & things get worse from there. Ealy cousin's, played by Tyrin Turner (of Menace 2 Society fame & who looks like he hasn't aged a day since that film) comes into the mix as a ne'er do well always hitting Ealy up for cash & Colter & Lewis are found out to be having an affair (revealed to Ealy by Swank) & are possibly behind the break-in at Ealy's home. All of this coupled w/the fact Swank is clearly unhinged (she wants her daughter back & uses Ealy's indiscretion against him to further her plans) making this film a retread of the far superior Fatal Attraction w/a touch of Strangers on a Train thrown in. None of it works due to the lazy set-ups & routine forays into kink & violence w/Swank (who serves as a producer here) completely miscast as she tries to act like a sexy seductress but comes off stiff & unfocused w/Ealy (clearly making a habit of being cast in these kind of roles) looking like he wishes his career would veer towards something better. The only highlight is the great cinematography by Dante Spinoti (Heat/Manhunter) shooting LA locales like only he can. Co-starring Geoffrey Owens (who made news not long ago for having the temerity to be working at a coffee shop instead of acting) playing Ealy's defense attorney.

I live in Vegas and first things first, nobody in the club is having a quiet conversation over drinks in the middle of the floor. Instead, imagine being 3 inches from someone's face while screaming "WHAT?!" over EDM music.

Also, Hillary Swank is TOO DAMN OLD to be in the club, especially solo. Actually, everyone looked too old to be in the club. And no nightclub is handing out cut crystal whiskey glasses, even if you do have a booth or bottle service.

So Steph Curry 2.0 & Hillary Swank somehow makeout in the club, (not shown, but would have to happen if this is a Vegas club: out of the club, through a casino floor, showing a room key to security to get to whatever hotel elevators) and then continue to the bed? YEAH RIGHT.

I cannot suspend my disbelief.

The first time Hillary said she forgot the combination to the hotel safe where SC2.0's phone was, I'd be on the phone with the hotel desk to send someone up. Nope, instead SC2.0 has sex again in exchange for his phone.

Murder for hire plot is a bit of an afterthought and not a well developed plot point. After a break-in, it just so happens that Swank is the detective and begins acting strange. Right then, any same person would speak to a cop and say that you need someone else to investigate because the detective is an ex lover and it's a conflict of interest.

Movie over.

Rest of the movie is Hillary Swank and SC2.0 making illogical decisions to somehow protect her job despite the fact SC2.0 owes her nothing and it's not illegal for him to have slept with her in Vegas before all of this happened.

There's a side story about Hillary Swank trying to kill her ex husband, but again, the motive was Implausible. The fact that she had a restraining order against her because of her ex that she repeatedly violated, and was still able to carry a gun as a detective made zero sense.

The movie was just ridiculous. Save your time and money.