Backfire

BACKFIRE deftly triumphs over its lackluster direction with a few clever plot twists here and there, but gets its greatest boost from Karen Allen in the role of a greedy, murderous wife. Everyone on St. James Island envies Donnie (Jeff Fahey) and his wife Mara (Allen). They're rich, young, and attractive. What most people don't know is that Vietnam vet Donnie is suffering from an extreme case of post-traumatic stress syndrome that manifests itself in a recurring nightmare. BACKFIRE is bolstered by a serviceable script brightened by some pithy dialogue and a game cast. Unfortunately, the direction and editing are not as good. Too many unnecessary shots, held for too...