Review: A Kiss And A Promise (2010)

A KISS AND A PROMISE
A film review by Steve Rhodes
Copyright 2011 Steve Rhodes

RATING (0 TO ****): ***

If you are a fan of fact based films, even ones only "inspired by" a
true story, then A KISS AND A PROMISE may be your cup of tea, especially
if you like your tea laced with lots of sex and murder. Well, having
grown up watching the murder mystery master, Alfred Hitchcock, I
thoroughly enjoyed A KISS AND A PROMISE. I do, however, have a warning,
that some of scenes are quite intense albeit not overly graphic, so be
sure that you're ready for cinematic tea this strong before buying your
tickets.

As the movie begins, we are taken to an especially lovely area of
Ontario, Canada during the fall foliage season when trees are at their
peak. Well, you should savor this beauty while you can, since the movie
is about to turn dark in more ways than one, as we switch mainly to
interior scenes, frequently at night, as the murderer prowls for young
women.

Although we learn the identity of the murderer fairly early on in the
narrative, I won't reveal it, although I'm sure most reviewers will take
the easy path out and tell you who he is. Let's suffice it to say that
story is set in a Bed and Breakfast run by a husband and wife, played by
Mick Rossi and Natasha Gregson Wagner of HIGH FIDELITY. Sean Power
plays a long-term tenant of theirs who is hopelessly behind on his rent.
Although the B&B has had problems attracting guests, their new Vacancy
sign means that strangers are finally beginning to stop by looking for
rooms.

A humorless film, it does have one deliciously ironic, if not outright
humorous, moment. As the killer peers through a subway car while
stalking his next victim, who is standing on the opposite platform, we
realize that just above her head in this visual is a subway admonition
to "Be safe and considerate."

Midway through the film, as it began to flag a bit, I was worried that
the word "Promise" in the title might end up being ironic for viewers,
but the movie picks up considerably in the last part, which proved to be
even better than its fine beginning.

A KISS AND A PROMISE runs 1:32.

The film is being shown as part of San Jose's Cinequest Film Festival
(www.Cinequest.org), which runs March 1-13, 2011.

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