Customer Reviews

A Letter from Death Row [VHS]

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

As a fan of Poison and Bret Michaels, I purchased a copy of this DVD, without knowing much about the movie. I found the movie to be slow starting, but quite suspenseful as the movie progressed. This movie is basically a one-man show. Bret Michaels wrote the movie script, co-directed, wrote and performed the music, produced, edited, and starred in this movie.

The movie is a suspense thriller about a convicted felon named Michael Raine, played by Bret Michaels. Raine is accused and convicted of killing his "exotic dancer" girlfriend. For his alleged actions, Raine is sentenced to death by electrocution. Despite the alleged murder being video taped, throughout his trial and while in prison, Raine asserts his innocence, contending the tape was nothing more than promiscuous role-play. A conspiracy begins to unravel as Raine finds out his girlfriend was actually "friendly" with some high ranking people, some of which would protect their names at all cost.

The storyline in this movie is decent, yet slightly predictable. For the people who like to try and guess how a suspense thriller will end, the opening line of the movie is vital. The acting in the movie is a little weak. Despite Martin Sheen and Charlie Sheen being listed on the front cover as actors, they probably only have 2 or 3 minutes of screen time between the two of them. The filmography in the movie does appear to be "cheap" at times (the murder scene reminded me of a horrifically amateur adult film, but that is just my opinion) as well as the opening credits seem to look unnatural like something some students would put together for a high school film class.

Putting the negative aspects aside, overall this was a great suspense thriller. This is a movie that I would recommend renting if possible or buying it used. I have not watched it twice, but I do not think it would be as good the second time. Keep in mind, the movie seems to be a cheap production, so don't expect extravagant special effects or high quality acting, but all in all it was an enjoyable movie to watch. I was impressed that a singer like Bret Michaels could cross over into film and put together a movie that was quite enjoyable.

This script was written well. The story line has a unique and fun twist. Weird camera angles add to the suspense of this movie and keep the viewer on the edge of their seat. Some of the acting is a little dry by the supporting actors, but can be overlooked because of the intensity of the story. Bret Michaels shocks the world with his incredible acting skills as well as his ability to write and direct at the same time. The movie should be watched if only for that. In any case, this is a definite movie for anyone who loves thrill rides.

...This movie has some weird confusing twists, and turns although it's an interesting movie, which keeps the viewer on their edge of their seat, though-out the film. The script was written well, with many strange camera angles, which added extra suspense to it. It makes you wonder how, when, why and if the crime was committed.

Bret Michaels - MICHAEL RAINE did an excellent job in the lead up to the climax in an interesting and believable way by playing his character - RAINE.

The first time you watch this you would need to pay close attention to the plot development as not to miss the whole point of the story. You will also find that this movie is a suspenseful thriller film. Which will take you though the eyes and mind of an convicted murderer.

I'm sure we'll see more movies by this incredibly skilful artist. Bret Michaels has the ability to act at the same time as write, direct and produced all at the same time.

This movie has an all-star cast consisting of Charlie and Martin Sheen and Poison's front man.

...For those of you who are Poison fans (like me), will understand what I mean when I say - 'A Letter from Death Row' it is a truly strange film, sinister... maybe but perfectly timed and executed. There is also a really cool CD soundtrack consisting of all Bret Michales songs that is in the movie.

But watch out 'olds' this film is not recommended for any youngsters. 18 + or over.

I hope that you will like this fun-entertaining movie as much as I did, but it has a weird ending.

Is the truth all what it appears to be, or is the conspiracy more then just a simple lie?

THINK!

Although this movie has some weird and confusing twists, it's a fun picture. You have to really pay attention to keep up with the story. Bret does a good job in the lead but the other actors leave a little to be desired. The only exception is the guy who plays Bret's lawyer, Phil Valentine. He's very natural and believable. I bet we'll see him in other movies. A little movie trivia. I understand Valentine is a radio talk show host in Nashville, TN, where the movie was shot. Most of the other actors, with the exception of Charlie and Martin Sheen, came from Nashville.

For you Poison fans, Letter From Death Row is an automatic slam dunk but those who haven't heard of the group will like it, too.

This was definitely a "B" movie. Micheals should have sold the screenplay to someone who knew how to make a movie. The plot was great, I thought it was suspenseful and well written. However most of the acting and production was deplorable. Question: was Michael's girlfriend a stripper before she hooked up with him? Because the only convincing part of her performance was while she was on stage. Overall this is worth watching, but I highly recommend you rent it or buy it used, it is not something you will want to watch over and over.

This is the first movie written,produced,co-directed,and starring Bret Michaels. It is surprisingly well done and acted. The twists in this psycho thriller keep you quessing until the end. I recommend this video to everyone.

I am deeply hurt that so many folks made complaints about the acting. I played the guy in truck with the big wad of Copenhagen in his mouth. Seriously, Brett was a real nice guy to work with, and the catering was first-class.
Billy Wirtz

...is not this one. But this was still very good, much better than I anticipated. It actually took me many months after buying to get around to seeing and it was way better than I thought. Avoid it if you're not at all into lower-budget 'B'-movies.

But if you don't need absolute perfection and like a good who-was-framed-for-murder film noir whodunit, then this is pretty good! I thought Bret Michaels was excellent for a starring debut. Yes don't expect to see much of Martin Sheen and even less of Charlie, but don't worry. Problem is it may be a hard dvd to find. :(

There's a surprise ending but I won't tell you or you'll start to expect it. Oops!

I Like Bret Michael so anything he is in I Like. Looking for DVD movie "POP ROCK" with Gary Cole and Sherilyn Fenn This was 2004 movie. Thank U for your business I enjoy shopping with U.

I really enjoyed this flick. I never realized that Bret had so much talent. Writer, director, actor, singer, musician.
The story was well written. The plot was good.
I recommend this movie to any Bret Michaels fan.