Customer Reviews

Homicide - The Movie

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This proved to be a worthy, if not tragic, ending for what diehard fans called "The Best D**n Show on Television." Being one of those fans, I was torn. On the one hand, I honestly felt "Homicide" didn't need a wrap-up movie. The ending of the televsion series, I thought, was about as satisfying as we fans were going to get under the circumstances.

On the other hand, well, it was my favorite show, for cryin' out loud! I wanted to see how the creators would put it to rest.

BTW, for those of you who didn't keep up with the televion series, this is NOT the DVD to start with! Start with "Seasons I and II" and work your way up!

Back to the review: The storyline is as follows: Al Giardello, former Homicide Unit L-T, is now running for Mayor of Charm City (On, if you can believe it, a drug legalization platform) and has a very impressive lead, that is until he's gunned down while giving a speech. All cast members are reunited as they struggle to investigate the shooting of their beloved "Gee" as he lies in intensive care.

At times, the writing is only mediocre and there are moments when the movie seemed preoccupied with giving every single reunited cast member a line or a scene. Nonetheless, the shocking and sad ending was worth every minute and has some incredible acting from Kyle Secor and Andre Braugher.

I wouldn't want to give anything away save this: the writers don't take the usual route and certainly do not wrap everything up with a "happily ever after" ending. And, looking back on the series, it makes all the sense in the world.

Considering how many actors had regular or semi-regular roles during "Homicide's" seven-year run on NBC, one could be forgiven for thinking that the most remarkable thing about this TV movie is that all of the regulars (and many of the semi-regulars) were back for what is probably the final go-round. And while that is probably a record for such reunions, it should not obscure the fact that this program (also known as "Homicide: Life Everlasting") tells a pretty good story in its own right.

In this case, I am not referring to the plot-line of the homicide squad's former commander, Al Giardello, being shot and the past and present members of his squad banding together to find the shooter. While that plot-line provides a credible reason for reuniting the team and gives viewers a final chance to revel in the way that "Homicide" emphasized the deductive skill of its detectives over their abilities with firearms, it's simply a means to an end. More often than not, the heart of "Homicide's" stories was the people behind the badges more so than the crimes they investigated.

Giardello's shooting is a cause for anger for some and reflection for others. In the case of Detective Bayliss, the reunion with his former partner Frank Pembleton (played by Emmy-winner Andre Braugher) and uncovering the mystery behind the shooting forces him to confront notions of right and justice which had been haunting him for months. This actually provides the movie's most dramatic scene, in the form of a powerful confrontation between Bayliss and Pembleton which almost certainly changes one man's life forever.

As for the other detectives, as some have observed, they don't really get a whole lot to do in the course of the film beyond eliminating various "red herrings" which allow Bayliss and Pembleton to get to the heart of the case. Here again, the investigation of crime is somewhat beside the point and secondary to the joy of seeing beloved (and in a couple cases hated) characters together again. In addition to the long-running partnership between Bayliss and Pembleton, we also get to see Richard Belzer and Ned Beatty as Munch and Bolander, still agreeing to disagree at nearly every turn. Of the original squad, only detectives Lewis and Howard are not reunited with their former partners, those detectives having been killed during the run of the show. That said, both of those characters, Steve Crosetti and Beau Felton, do make an appearance in what is probably the movie's most heartfelt scene.

Whether one is a long-time fan or someone new to "Homicide," the end result of watching this movie will most likely be an attempt to track down either re-runs (currently on Court TV) or other video releases from the series (of which there are few available). Even at its worst, "Homicide" was always worth watching, and at its best it was simply marvelous. This film is arguably not the very best episode of the program's run, but it is certainly an excellent reminder of how good television can be when a talented group of creative artists come together with the intention to make something really good.

Homicide: Life Everlasting was the perfect way to wrap-up the show which lasted for 7 seasons on NBC. This two-hour movie originally aired during the month of February of 2000, reunites new and old member of the cast...some more than others in a very clever and subtle way.

The basic plot of the movie goes like this: Former Lt. Al Giardello of the Homicide Unit is running as a mayoral candidate for the city of Baltimore(or as pronounced in the actual city Bawlmer). Gee is shot while giving a speech at the Inner Harbor. He is rushed to the hospital and enroute to the hospital scenes are cut back and forth between each former or current Detective of the Homicide Unit who are informed of the incident including Andre Braugher(Det. Frank Pembleton)who has given up being a cop to teach and Kyle Secor(Det. Tim Bayliss)who had taken a leave-of-absence from the unit at the end of the series.

Other former members of the squad making appearances in the movie are Reed Diamond(Det. Mike Kellerman - now a P.I.),Melissa Leo(Sgt. Kay Howard), Richard Belzer(Det. John Munch), Clark Johnson(Det. Meldrick Lewis), Isabella Hoffman(Megan Russert), and Max Perlich(J.H. Brodie). Gee's son Mike Giardello also appears in the movie as a beat(street)cop after he left the FBI at the close of the series.

This movie is a must see for die-hard fans of the show longing to see former cast members that actually made the show great. And to leave you on an intriguing and interesting note: The ending is a complete SHOCKER!!! Don't miss out on getting this movie for anything in the world. It's the perfect thing for any die-hard Homicide fan and a movie no Homicide fan should be without.

Whilst the final episode of the seventh season of Homicide: Life on the Street bookended the show - starting and ending in the same place - loose ends, or rather one very long loose end, was left dangling.

Homicide: The Movie picks up some months after the show ended and it's all change. Al Giadello want to be the Mayor of Baltimore, Gharty is the new shift commander, Bayliss uncertain of his future, is on a sabbatical. It's not giving away much to say that Gee gets shot and squad members past and present return to catch the shooter.

After the disaster of Season 7, the prospect of former cast members of the calibre of Andre Braugher, Ned Beatty and Melissa Leo was more than welcome. Sadly squeezing in so many past characters leaves many with little to do, whilst the main (and rather thin) plotline of Gee's shooting is just an excuse to get Braugher and the excellent Kyle Secor back on screen together. Not that that's a bad thing.

Watching familiar faces and listening to the long missed banter of the detectives reinforced the view that Homicide was strangely overshadowed by inferior, and less intelligent shows like NYPD Blue, and that it never quite got the credit it deserved.

If ever a series deserved a posthumous made-for-TV movie, it's Homicide. The original series was cancelled in 1999, only a few weeks notice before season's end. Consequently, the series finale was admittedly hurried, disjointed, and inconclusive. One of the greatest series ever deserved a more punctuated conclusion. To this end, Homicide's creative team managed to convince NBC to let them make "Homicide: The Movie".

The premise of "Homicide: The Movie" is ingenious (for those who don't know): Lt. Giardello ("Gee" for short) is the controversial frontrunner in the Baltimore mayoral race, whose principle issue is the decriminalization of drugs. During a campaign stop he is shot (but not killed) by an unknown assailant. Subsequently, every regular character from the series (and I mean everyone) returns to investigate the crime and visit Gee. [This premise is so good, it's frustrating as a fan. If NBC had given the show one more season (and let them know it would be the last) there could've been some intriguing episodes leading to the campaign.]

In a sense it's nice to see every regular character back one last time, but it also creates a dilemma: overcrowding. With so many characters (more than 20) the story is spread thinly over it's 90 min. duration. There are many pointless, uninteresting scenes, which only serve to give some members of the bloated cast face time: Shepherd and Ballard repeatedly view videotape of the shooting for leads; Mike Giardello and Kellerman roust everyone who might carry a grudge; Med. Examiners discuss emergency advancements at Gee's hospital bed. These aren't limited examples, about half of all the film's scenes are disposable. What probably would've been a superb 40 min. series finale' is often flimsy as a 90 min. film.

Fortunately, the glaring flaws are largely redeemed in the last 15 min. The conclusion is set up pefectly and comes as a complete and devestating surprise; yet it's entirely believable and satisfying in the spirit of the original series. Even if "Homicide: The Movie" is more than a little diluted, it works as an appropriately bitter-sweet coda for one of the best series in the history of television.

HOMICIDE, the TV show was a product of "Mr. Baltimore," Barry Levinson, of "Diner" and other movies featuring Baltimore, the city. Back in the days when I really cared about what I watched on TV, I watched "Homicide," which really was a lot harder than it seems in retrospect because NBC kept bouncing it around the schedule. Just in its first year-and-a-half, it was on Wednesday, Thursday AND Friday nights.

Brandon Tarkoff at NBC programming really liked the show, but it was too gritty, too raw, too everything to really build an audience, but NBC did try... they put it following the Superbowl its second year, and the audience was there for a few weeks, then the numbers went down.

How it survived, I sure don't know. Maybe it was all of the recognition we gave it at the Viewers for Quality Television (VQT). Maybe it was all of the Emmy nominations, but if you like what you see while watching "CSI," "ER," "Law and Order" or any past show that's a lot better than the rest, watching this made for TV movie, "Homicide," shows you where all the best of those shows came from... the heritage of those shows is in this one.

When "Homicide" was cancelled in 1999, it was not a surprise to those who watched it regularly, but given its history, its cancellation caused for there to be a Scotch taped together finale that left the viewers unsatisfied. To that end, this made-for-TV movie was broadcast with all the detectives, old and new, present.

It's a powerful made-for-TV movie, much like those TV movies in the past who were so strong that a series was spawn from them. Unfortunately, "Homicide" had already had its run, but a better remembrance is difficult to find.

This movie, at its lower price, is priced just about right. However, when it was over $20.00 it was worth the money I spent just for the memories of Frank, Stanley, Munch, Al, et. al.

The plot...forget the plot, it's there, and it's better than most shows, maybe not a strong as other episodes, but what's more important are the actors; and, with this movie, you get them all, again.

In summation, buy it to see what good TV, along the lines of those classic shows, like Playhouse 90, were in the 50's, only better. But, be sure to stick around for the final scene. Those final scenes were always great: Whether they show Frank Pembleton in his dress uniform, standing at attention, sword drawn as the casket of Crosetti goes by; or maybe that Christmas episode, when the squad start a snowball fight while Chrissie Hyde sings "Have yourself a Very Merry Christmas" is played in the background. "Homicide: The Movie" has a great final scene, too, that somehow leaves everything stired-up normal again.

From the haunting theme music to the greaseboard that uses names in red or black to designate solved cases, it's all here. Even the ringing phone that's always answered "Homicide" is in this great movie. I wished they had used the cut action camera work on the suspects as they did in season one though. Watching the series from season one every Friday night was a real treat in the 90's, but unfortunately the characters changed every year. Whether you loved them or hated them, all the detectives are here, from the M.E. to the camera man,to the brass. Including the ones who had died on the series. When their beloved "G" gets shot they all come back from retirement and other jobs to find the shooter. Everyone has a part in the investigation and new detective Jason Priestly gets slapped down quickly so that he doesn't ruin this great reunion. Eamon Walker from the series Oz has a small but important role and the whole cast makes this movie work well. While the investigation rolls, some loose ends from the series are tied up, and Bayliss makes a stunning revelation to Pembleton. It was great to see actors Ned Beatty, Richard Belzer, and now director of feature films Clark Johnson back at work. If you liked the series, the movie will satisfy what you've missed since it left the air. Great movie with an ending that will make the hair stand up on your skin. Don't miss it.

Returning on occasion to the job I left almost three years ago, and which I held for over four years, I am constantly reminded of how much things change. And the feeling of awkwardness and unease still permeates throughout each and every one of my visits. The place looks different. Many, if not most, of the faces have changed. Life has moved on without me there. Watching "Homicide: The Movie" evokes much the same feeling within me. The TV movie was produced only a short half-year after the series ended production, yet so much was different. The result is somewhat jarring, yet still acceptable. Life does, indeed, move on. Why should "Homicide" be any different?

The major driving force behind "Homicide: The Movie" was to reunite as many of "Homicide: Life on the Street's" cast members as possible. How does one accomplish this? The answer comes in the form of having a man that many of the characters liked (or at least respected) get shot down. Former Lt. Al Giardello (Yaphet Kotto) is running for mayor of Baltimore, when he is gunned down at a rally. He is rushed to the hospital, and news of his brush with death spreads quickly throughout the area. Soon, every single one of the living detectives who had worked in the Homicide unit during the series' run have returned to the squad room. Much has changed since the time that they were there. Only one of the show's original characters, Meldrick Lewis, is still an active detective in the unit. Stu Gharty, a man many people did not respect, is now the shift lieutenant. The squad room is painted blue. And Jason Priestley (of 90210 fame) has joined the cast as a brash, new detective.

The detectives (old and new) begin to investigate the shooting of Al Giardello. John Munch & Stanley Bolander (Richard Belzer & Ned Beatty) re-unite and work together, as do the popular Frank Pembleton & Tim Bayliss (Andre Braugher & Kyle Secor). If there is a problem with "Homicide: The Movie", it is that in its quest to bring together the over 20 regular and semi-regular (as well as guest-starring) members of the cast of the original show, the usage of that cast is spread very thin. In fact, as it was when the series was on the air, the plot basically revolves around Pembleton & Bayliss. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as they are two of the show's strongest characters. It is simply a matter of time allowance. It had been years since Ned Beatty had been on the show, and perhaps a bit more time devoted to his character wouldn't have been such a bad thing. Or that of Melissa Leo's strong role as Sgt. Kay Howard (another favorite). At any rate, it was interesting to see everyone come back together again, one last time -- even the "dead" characters.

There are some twists and turns in "Homicide: The Movie", as well as a couple of surprises. One of them is semi-predictable, if you'd followed the series up to its final episode. Still, it is devastating. The plot line of investigating Giardello's shooting progresses well enough, although sometimes it feels haphazard, as certain scenes are thrown in, simply for sake of providing something for each of the cast members to do. The last few scenes, once the shooting is solved, provide both a nice, and a not-so-nice coda for the characters that fans of the show grew to know and identify with over the series' seven season run.

In the end, "Homicide: The Movie" seems concerned with wrapping things up, and with tidying loose ends left over from the final episode. I'm not sure whether or not I like this. In many ways, the last episode left things in a way which seemed more natural. Not every answer was solved, not every character's destination was known. Now, with "The Movie", we have almost more answers and finality than I find desirable. It made me pine for the show's early years, when it was simply a deep, gritty, and heartfelt cop show. Ah, those were the days.

'Homocide the movie' is a fitting conclusion to the best crime series ever made. It was especially nice to see the past members of the series again and some new members. I don't believe the film had the same edginess that we saw in the Tv series but it does gives us an insight into how each character has progressed since the series ended. If anyone saw the last ever episode of the series they will be especially interested in watching the film because we learn about how one of the homocide team have a rather dark confession to make. I won't say anymore on this issue as I don't want to spoil it for anyone. The film itself has a good storyline and immidiately starts with former Homocide captain Al Giardello now running for mayor of Baltimore. But, at a pubic political speech he is shot and seriously hurt. We then see all the members of the Homocide squad, past and present come together to try and apprehend the shooter. As the detectives interview every possible suspect it becomes apparent that the key piece of evidence is a local TV cameraman's videotape of what happened that morning. There are special appearances from 'Oz' star Eammon Walker and 'Beverly Hills 90210' star Jason Priestly. I have been a huge fan of 'Homocide: Life on the street' since it first started and as I watched the end of this film there was a genuine feeling of sadness because it wraps everything up; who's going where, who's doing what, and it lets us know that this is the end, there will be no more 'Homocide'.

Homicide: Life on the Street chose to be different from the word go. The gritty, almost black and white photography in the first few seasons, the zooming camera effects, the way the actors didn't wear make-up separated it from other cop shows. The quality of the actors, especially Andre Braugher, also made a done-to-death genre that much more interesting.

Homicide did a lot of things incredibly well: arc stories (such as Luther Mahoney and the Kellerman storyline), drug abuse and dealt with racial issues brilliantly. It was also set in Baltimore, not New York, Boston, LA or Chicago which was refreshing.

What we're left with here is 90 minutes of a weak story reuniting characters that only have a couple of minutes of airtime. Perhaps the most frustrating is the reliance on Giardello's son who rarely featured in the original series. Pembleton and Bayliss get their fair share but Lewis for example hardly gets a look in. What this should really have been is something as epic as the Sniper storyline from the 3rd or 4th season which spanned 3 episodes not a bittersweet reuniting of characters to find the shooter of Al Giardello. The identity of the shooter is nothing special, and in the last 15 minutes the real drama actually happens (and it's worth waiting for).

If NBC want to really impress Homicide fans a DVD box-set of the best episodes including the pilot would be much more welcome, the show's best storylines were in the first 4 years of the show.