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The Undesirable Reviews

2001
1 hr 33 mins
R

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The shock of seeing her family slaughtered by knife-wielding serial killer Frank Tanner (Michael Gross), and her subsequent escape from his murderous clutches, has caused Gilda (Melissa Gilbert) to have amnesia. In an effort to start a new life, Gilda becomes the nanny to the son (Matthew Lawrence) of Mike (Jack Scalia), a handsome businessman in the process of divorcing his wife. Mike and Gilda become romantically entwined, and Mike takes it upon himself to discover who she is -- or was. Meanwhile, Tanner slays several others who are unfortunate enough to resemble Gilda in his unceasing efforts to find her -- his daughter.

Reviewed By: Buzz McClain

This 1992 cable movie holds up surprisingly well. The basic plot about the amnesiac falling into the restorative arms of a handsome hero has been used in romance novels since the invention of the Gutenberg press, but here it's enlivened with deadly thriller aspects, and Michael Gross is at his chilling best as the relentless psycho. Melissa Gilbert is both sympathetic and admirable as the strong-willed would-be victim, and Jack Scalia -- always a man's man -- uses his rugged charm to its best effect. The low-key scenes of blossoming romance and domestic difficulties (it seems Gilda might not want her memory restored) will be a yawn to those looking for frights, but the scenes of high-tension (as Tanner hunts new victims) and periodic brutality (when he finds them) are paced evenly enough to keep interest throughout.