Customer Reviews

VI Warshawski [VHS]

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This likeable, harmless Kathleen Turner vehicle is one of those films that most "name" critics have viciously attacked for no logical reasons (critics seem to be as frequently susceptible amongst themselves to "herd mentality" as the rest of us po' ignorant movin' pitcher watchin' folk). Turner's "V.I. Warshawski" is a very credible "tough broad" character,treading the fine line between sexiness and surliness with skill and style. Granted, the predictable, standard-issue plot of this detective thriller is a minus, but the appealing cast and Turner's charisma carry the day. If you are a fan of the Warshawski books (or J.A. Jance and Sue Grafton's female detective stories)you'll find the mood and atmosphere of the film quite true to the genre.If your name is Leonard Maltin, take a pill and just relax.

I have no idea what movie Maltin saw, but I enjoyed every moment of this film. I am a Turner fan, and a V.I. fan but do not enjoy truely bad movies. This was not a truely bad movie or a "boo-boo". It was funny and presented the characters well. Read the books, Maltin. I wish they had continued the series, I would buy them all.

Fans of Sara Paretsky's heroine, V.I. Warshawski will enjoy the clever one-liners tossed off so well by Kathleen Turner. The character's wise-girl bravura is sometimes at odds with Turner's soft beauty, but the actor does some very convincing martial arts moves not usually associated with her past performances. It's fascinating to watch how fast and furious Ms. Turner can be in these scenes!

The plot features a 13 old kid whose father is murdered. Warshawski reluctantly allows the girl to accompany her on the investigation. The young actress playing the daughter wins over Warshwaski, and the hunt begins in earnest to discover who killed her daddy.

Readers of the detective series will spot many of the recurring characters from Paretsky's books, most notably Lottie and Murray. There is the disappointing exception of Mr. Contreras, who is given a tiny role and bears no resemblance to the character in the novels. His usual paternal advice and counsel is handled instead by Charles Durning as the police investigator who grudgingly helps V.I.

I liked this movie and highly recommend that you get yourself a copy -- mostly for Turner's shining screen presence. She may not be the most obvious choice for portraying V.I., but she keeps you enthralled in every scene with her great sense of humor and tough tenacity. It would have been wonderful if this movie had been turned into a series. After the movie ended, I wanted to see more!

The video quality is excellent and was taken from an outstanding print, so you get your money's worth with the DVD version.

Kathleen Turner is just great as a private investigator, hard nosed and hard boiled but with a soft inner heart. This video hearkens back to those old private investigators like sam spade. There's plenty of action especially a great section where she is chased on the waterfront. Kathleen is a great beauty especially for her fondness for those red high heeled shoes. Very entertaining and one of the great Turner flicks. She even has an ongoing relationship with her ex. Highly recommended!

I have read most of Sara Paretsky books, and this movie is pretty close to V I Warshawski. Kathleen Turner was the best actress for this part in my opinion. I enjoyed watching this movie, and wish there were more.

I LOVE this movie. I can't say that enough. I fell in love with this movie first time I saw it. The soundtrack was great, the cast was great, everything about this movie was just great!

Especially the nutcracker scene (which, if you've seen the film, doesn't need describing).

This 1991 film has been widely criticized for its very loose interpretation of the character created by mystery writer Sara Paretsky. However, taken on its own, it holds up quite well. In the novels, V.I. Warshawski is depicted as tough, sarcastic, ethnic and working class. Kathleen Turner, in the title role, captures the toughness, but makes her out to be much more glamorous than in the books. The story is loosely adapted from the novel Deadlock - arguably, the best of the series -- but also incorporates some comedic elements, such as the witty repartee between Kathleen Turner and the adolescent girl she is protecting. While the film is not faithful to the novels, there are some entertaining scenes, such as the boat chase on the Chicago River, and the multiple intrigues that make up the plot.

I watched this because I teach film and many feminist film journals contain critiques of the film. Also, I had just watched Body Heat, starring Kathleen Turner, for maybe the 10th time, Turner's signature film. Unfortunately the content is weak, lacks drama, conclusion is telegraphed miles in advance and Turner tries to hard to be the tough "ballsy" cop with a heart of gold. Compared to her best work, this one is a limp noodle and not worth the feminist attention it has received. If you're looking for a good female cop movie, try Silence of the Lambs or Black Widow. Charles Bland, Niagara Falls NY

This movie has one of my favorite quotes, "Never underestimate a man's ability to underestimate a woman."

This movie isn't all male bashing, but in a male dominated P.I. world there is going to be some. There is also intrigue, double crossing, and a few flying bullets as well as a couple of explosions.

Kathleen Turner is wonderful as the private eye in this very different murder/mystery movie!