Customer Reviews

Payback (1994, Unrated/Special Director's Cut, SP) [VHS]

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

 

 

I saw the unrated version of this movie a few years back and I've been leery of buying the R-rated version for fear of significant edits. It's an average B-movie potboiler about an ex-con who finds work and a lot more than he bargained for at a diner in the middle of nowhere.
The luscious Joan Severance (dyed blonde here) stars as the co-owner of the diner, along with her blind husband, who by freak coincidence (or is it?), is a former guard at the prison the ex-con was at. Drifter and wife become lovers and plot against blind hubby.
C. Thomas Howell has been doing satisfactory work in these B-movie roles for years now, and he was almost unrecognizable as the weedy hippie-like ex-con. He did a good job with the character, but looking as he did, it was simply not believable that a hottie like Joan Severance would fall for him. They have some steamy scenes together. Joan is an awesome woman to look at. Eyes that will melt your heart and a body that will not quit.
I'm glad someone pointed out somewhere that this was actually an unofficial adaptation of The Postman Always Rings Twice, made famous onscreen by Jack Nicholson and Jessica Lange. I wouldn't have made the connection immediately.
Severance and Howell seemed to like working together and starred in two other movies together: Dangerous Indiscretion and Matter of Trust.

I love the scene in the kitchen and the garage. This is the movie of Joan Severance that i really like most. I've look anywhere for this film, now I'm going to have it. Thanks to amazon.com. But I really love to have it on DVD.

It's Joan Severance. Yeah, she's blonde in this one, but it's still Joan Severance. Black Scorpion. Need I say more? Three stars for the appearance by Joan Severance.

If you're a Joan Severance fan, you're in for a real treat. The sex scene in the diner kitchen is about as erotic as can get--it keeps you coming back for more. The plot of the movie is pretty good, also -- I think you'll be surprised at how this one ends!

This is a very good example of a "film noir" in which everyone is shady and no one can be trusted. Also, I never tire of gazing at Ms. Joan Severance, so that is an added treat for me as well.

For the Severance fan, the movie starts rather slow. However as it progresses there are some excellant takes of her expressions. The male lead was lacking in expression but Joan more than compansated for him. The out-takes of this film must have been terrific!

The other reviews of this movie are way too kind. There is very little "steam" in this movie. Not a bad plot, but let's be honest, that's not why we watch these direct to video / cinemax softcore movies. Joan Severance does look good as usual. However, the erotica scenes are few and far between and there is virtually nothing more revealing in the unrated version so don't spend your $ here. Joan looks at her best putting on shiny white thigh highs underneath a tight yellow dress, but nothing happens with her and this luscious outfit. A complete waste. This is bound to disappoint so don't be misled by the other reviews.

The plot of this movie is pretty lame and standard. It's not a ba movie though. The only bad part is the end,it really sucked but pretty much the only way the movie could end. One warning though, if you are looking for a happy ending where the guy walks away with the dough and the girl, you won't find it here. Other than that this movie is o.k, though slow. And severance turned out to be a better actress than I thought.

I am reviewing Joan Severance's "Dangerous Indiscretion," also featuring devious Malcolm McDowell and C. Thomas Howell. A free spirit creative ad man, Howell sees Severance and after the predictable chase they couple. Severance's powerful hubby, evil McDowell finds evidence of the liasion & seeks to destroy Howell, beating Severance in the process. McDowell is ruthless. At same time he is trying to get zoning approval for a lakeside complex. There are lots of ruthless scenes along with some moments of tender love. Not typical sexploitation. Engaging plot, moves along, a few touching moments. 81 minutes. This is an enjoyable above average film that keeps flowing. Severance's acting rivals her beauty. This is the VHS "Dangerous Indiscretion." Clever uses of photo tampering shown. Howell's support lady is a doll. I highly recommend this film. Short, moving, engaging thriller.

Dr. Alan Kardoff, Mgmtdr