Remote Control Reviews

With REMOTE CONTROL, director Jeff Lieberman attempts to capture the flavor of the 1950s science-fiction film and combine it with the subject of today's video revolution. A movie titled "Remote Control" has become a hot rental. Unknown to the public, the film hypnotizes its viewers and makes them commit acts of extreme violence. Cosmo (Kevin Dillon), who works at the video store, catches on to the scheme and, with his girl friend Belinda (Deborah Goodrich) and best friend Georgie (Christopher Wynne), finds the plant that manufactures the videotape. The three are captured and told of a plan to take over Earth by a bunch of land-greedy outer-space aliens. REMOTE CONTROL doesn't know whether it wants to be a spoof or a thriller; because of its indecision, it fails on both levels. Lieberman overplays his hand in trying to make the present day look otherworldly. Characters walk around in metallic clothing, sport bizarre haircuts, and live in homes that look like something out of "Lost in Space." The performances are flat, except that of Dillon, who is convincing in a sharp and energetic portrayal of a man who knows it all, but whom no one will believe.