Search - A Letter from Death Row on DVD

Joseph S. (hamsterdad)
Reviewed on 2/7/2009...

Interesting movie. Mostly interesting because someone spent money to put it out on DVD. The plot is weak to say the least. The cinematography is like a 9 year old with his mommy's stolen camcorder. And the acting is less believable than a knidergarden class doing Crime and Punishment! Bret Michaels has the emotional range of a broken daisy air rifle. This movie wasted 2 hours of my life I could have spent hitting myself in the head with a rock. That would have been more entertianing!

3 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.

DEATHLY WRITTEN - By a Poison member

Rob Gibbs - robgibbs@netconnect.com | Australia, Victoria | 08/21/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"...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!"

A fresh and new thrill ride by a fave rocker of the 80's.

J. E. Nelson | 04/12/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Decent Storyline, Lackluster Acting

J. E. Nelson | Plainfield, Illinois | 05/28/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."