Billy Zane

Blue Seduction
$26.97
Blue Seduction is a film that basically delivers what it promises, however, what it promises is not all that much. The basic premise is that a young and talented woman comes on to an older man with sort of reputation in order to advance her own career. Then it appears to turn into a new twist on the Fatal Attraction theme, that is a woman who has an affair with a married man, who subsequently forces herself into the man's life after he tries to end the relationship. The difference is that Blue Seduction goes much farther on this theme than Fatal attraction dared to, however, viewers should be comforted in that no bunnies are boiled. Although Billy Zane, who most people remember as Kate Winslet's Snidely Whiplash-like fiance from Titanic, is nominally the star of this film, the real presence is Canadian actress Estella Warren, who plays the assertive, pushy and talented young woman who drives the story. Warren seems to be reprising April Troost, the seductive sociopath she portrayed in a couple of episodes of the Law and Order TV consortium. Like the dangerous, but alluring, Ms. Troost, Warren's character, here called Mattie McPherson, plays men like so many fiddles, exploiting the fact that virtually any man will jump into bed with a beautiful woman who comes on to him, even if major negative consequences may ensue. (possible spoiler alert) Mattie is an unusually assertive woman who forces herself sexually on Zane's character, Mikey, on several occasions throughout the film, even though he keeps telling both himself and insisting to Mattie that he cannot keep doing this. I don't think I have ever seen a scene quite like the one in which Mattie ties Mikey to a chair, has her way with him, and then discusses their relationship while sitting on him as if he were a La-Z Boy. Speaking of lazy boys, Zane plays his part in two basic modes: catatonic and hysterical. Mikey is one of the least sympathetic victims I have seen in a film, because not only does he lack will power, he seems to lack any talent or integrity. For a person portraying a musician, he seems to have no ability to even fake playing a musical instrument. In contrast, Warren's Mattie seems to be very talented, both as a singer and a songwriter. Warren does her own singing in this film and reveals a good, if not overpowering vocal talent for smoky, rock/pop flavored vocals. After a while the viewer finds themselves asking why this highly talented and lovely woman would bother to waste her time on a talentless hack like Mikey. The climax resolves this question in an unusual fashion, and actually explains a number of conundrums that will annoy the perceptive viewer and make them think this film is worse than it is. With a real actor as a leading man this could have been a really good film, but Zane is such a limited and unappealing (although physically attractive) actor that you leave the film wondering why you bothered to spend 90 minutes watching this clown. In any case, watching Blue Seduction will allow the viewer to answer that troubling question, "Can a woman actually rape a man?"

Survival Island
$9.98
Caught this one night on cable. I guess I should start with, I am a fan of Billy Zane. I think he is a good intense actor and he does not disappoint in this movie. As far as Kelly Brook and Juan Pablo di Pace go, well, this is where the weakness in the movie starts.

The movie is about a wealthy couple, Jack and Jennifer, who are stranded on a deserted island with Manuel their boatman. The story in the beginning is simply about survival on a deserted island. But it then quickly becomes about the struggle between Jack and Manuel with Jack's wife Jennifer being the mediator and eventual prize.

The strong parts of the movie are:

Billy Zane - He plays a good part of a jealous and suspicious husband trying to take charge of a situation in which he has no control.

The scenery: truly beautiful with some great shots underwater.

The Story: Well the first half anyway's.

The bad:

Jennifer and Manuel: You are supposed to like them, connect and root for them but it is impossible. Instead of being the victims they come off as the villains in the movie. This really messing things up.

The second have the movie: This is where they start to make Jack the villain and the other two the victims. It just does not work. Yes Jack is jealous and paranoid but for good reason. His wife is sleeping around. She has turned on him. How can you root for two people who don't care about the third, who with everything they do they hurt him. The movie wants you to root for them but I rooted for Jack the entire movie.

Like I said it had it's good parts but it was to infuriating to watch Jack get treated like dirt and then get blamed for getting mad for me to truly enjoy the movie.

Tales From The Crypt Presents - Demon Knight
$14.98
"Demon Knight" is nothing short of brillant. I have been looking for a copy for at least 10 years. I was delighted with the condition of the DVD. The color was brilliant and the focus was clear. Jada Pinkett Smith and Billy Zane are two of my favorite performers. After seeing them in this movie, so many years ago, has kept me looking for more from both of them ever since. This one, in my opinion, is a classic keeper.

Nothing to Declare
$14.98
After a freak lightning storm, George Putter, played by Billy Zane, is the only Putter left in Putterton. To replace one of George's uncles as the taxman, a beautiful tax inspector, Caroline DeVille (Valerie Valois) shows up in this cold Canadian town. She soon discovers that no one, including George, has paid taxes in 50 years, and she brings in a bus load of auditors, which sends the townpeople into a panic.

The premise is full of potential, but I found the characters one-sided and flat, and the love story undeveloped and unbelievable.

If you like Billy Zane and quirky characters, you will enjoy this movie. If you're looking for a light, romantic comedy--the kind that you want to revisit over and over, keep looking. Putterton may not be worth visiting more than once.