Do You Like Hitchcock?
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   156 of 315 readers found this review helpful.

As a child young Giulio's curiosity almost got him into trouble when he stumbled onto some witches in the middle of slicing up their newly acquired chicken. Well, I think they were witches. They did seem pretty damn nuts and unbathed. Flash forward to older Giulio, now a film student, working on a thesis. He spots his hottie neighbor one day and can't seem to stop staring at her. He sees the tension that is building between her and her mom.

While returning a movie at his local video store he stumbles on his neighbor wanting Hitchcock's STRANGERS ON A TRAIN, and talking to a young red haired beauty also trying to rent the same movie. He then continues to follow the young women around in a creepy manner for really no reason. One night his neighbor's mom is murdered. Well, Giulio knows who did it, but must find proof. "It is just like Strangers on a Train?" The redhead kills his neighbor's mom, while his neighbor returns the favor for her. Of course no one believes him, and the obsession into proving the case takes over. Not many twists are thrown in, and the "mystery" never really becomes a mystery.

DO YOU LIKE HITCHCOCK? is a made for TV film from master Dario Argento himself. A love letter to Hitchcock himself, Argento makes a movie incorporating a few Hitchcock plots and moments in an all new setting. (Sort of) Much of the film's plot is in fact taken from Hitchcock directly. Don't think a rip off or anything, but again a fan making a Hitchcock movie. Big difference.

The characters work, but for a mystery movie there is not a whole lot of mystery. The possible killers are laid out directly after the murder takes place, and as the movie continues we learn that Giulio is right. The movie was also missing tension. This truly was surprising from a film by Argento. No tension or mystery? Good lord! Even the scene with Giulio's cute little girlfriend going across the street to confront the killer in the act gave me little to bite my nails on.

** Speaking of Giulio's girlfriend, she sure was a cute little thing. Why he became so infatuated in his neighbor blew my mind. I mean, you got a cute little thing right there. Be happy. If your not then I'll take her off your hands for you. His neighbor left a lot to be desired for me anyhow. I guess Giulio could be the Italian Hugh Grant.

The look and direction of the film was great, and I did enjoy it, but I do not like mysteries that I can not try to solve along with the characters. I do not want everything to be laid out for me and I just follow along. I take that back, it wasn't all laid out for the viewer, but with no other characters being thrown in as a red herring, you knew exactly who did the killing.

** There was a slight twist, but in context it just seemed out of place and thrown in.

Overall I enjoyed the movie. Odd after reading the full review huh? How's that for a twist? I did not like the overall lack of mystery or tension, I have no clue what the hell the beginning of the movie had to do with anything, and I was disappointed with the montage ending. On the other hand, I did enjoy the look, feel and characters of the movie. One surprise was for a made for TV movie there sure was a hell o' lot of topless scenes and a nasty blood scene. Damn do I love Italy. I will recommend this for a rent. It's an enjoyable film, but just not thought provoking by any means.

Added:  Wednesday, August 23, 2006
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