The classic formulae. Good cop, drinks too much, good cop wallows in his own self pity, good cop gets led astray.
True Blue, though very nicely shot (when viewed on DVD), with a style that I am inclined to think the DOP learned his trade through shooting Commercials, is reminiscent of an average TV drama.
Berenger, who shows promise, but never quite delivers in this role, plays against a confusing backdrop of prostitution and asian crime gangs. Though never one thing or another, the director neither commits to the full communication of the dark underground sex themes which the plot suggest, nor does he create a subtle undertone of this, choosing rather to sit firmly on the fence between both. Unlike 8mm which chooses rather to show in more detail the deviant sex it is revolving around (in actual fact, going to far simply for shock value).
At the same time, Lori Heuring, who plays Nikki, is as false and cosmetic as her perfect body, which does little to raise interest levels.
Perhaps, the director would have done better to concentrate his efforts on giving this film a little more heart, instead of attempting a pseudo "Bladerunner" pastiche. But then again, perhaps this is never going to happen, as this egotistical film maker, who is neither Director, Writer or Producer (though choosing to be all these things on the making of his films). Choosing rather to have full control over his below average productions, instead of allowing the skills of others to influence and most certainly improve his mediocre and bland 'work'.
It is therefore not surprising to note, that the strongest point on this film, the filmography, is the only key role which does not carry the name "J.S. Cardone" of the director.
Not a 'truly bad' film, but very very bad never the less.
True Blue, though very nicely shot (when viewed on DVD), with a style that I am inclined to think the DOP learned his trade through shooting Commercials, is reminiscent of an average TV drama.
Berenger, who shows promise, but never quite delivers in this role, plays against a confusing backdrop of prostitution and asian crime gangs. Though never one thing or another, the director neither commits to the full communication of the dark underground sex themes which the plot suggest, nor does he create a subtle undertone of this, choosing rather to sit firmly on the fence between both. Unlike 8mm which chooses rather to show in more detail the deviant sex it is revolving around (in actual fact, going to far simply for shock value).
At the same time, Lori Heuring, who plays Nikki, is as false and cosmetic as her perfect body, which does little to raise interest levels.
Perhaps, the director would have done better to concentrate his efforts on giving this film a little more heart, instead of attempting a pseudo "Bladerunner" pastiche. But then again, perhaps this is never going to happen, as this egotistical film maker, who is neither Director, Writer or Producer (though choosing to be all these things on the making of his films). Choosing rather to have full control over his below average productions, instead of allowing the skills of others to influence and most certainly improve his mediocre and bland 'work'.
It is therefore not surprising to note, that the strongest point on this film, the filmography, is the only key role which does not carry the name "J.S. Cardone" of the director.
Not a 'truly bad' film, but very very bad never the less.