Although suitably fast-paced, LOVE & MURDER is a run-of-the-mill, entirely predictable crime melodrama from Canada which is better suited to TV viewing.
Hal Caine (Todd Waring) is a down-on-his-luck big-city photographer who earns extra cash by aiming his telescopic lens at a popular residence for single women across the street from his own apartment. He snaps photos of the more well endowed females and then later turns on the charm when he
actually goes out of his way to meet them. He makes money by introducing these women to interested men who pay Hal well for his services. What Hal isn't first aware of is that this "service" has made him the personal target of a serial killer who has already slaughtered a trio of women around the
neighborhood. Even though he's basically a sleazy voyeur, Hal is a decent guy in the eyes of Brenda (Kathleen Lasky), his intelligent and spunky girlfriend. She conjures wedding bells for Hal and herself, though it is doubtful Hal has any such notions. The film's few thrills come during the final
half as the face-off between Hal and the killer approaches.
There is little to be said for this extremely unsavory movie other than that writer-director Steven Hilliard Stern (THE DEVIL AND MAX DEVLIN) manages to keep the proceedings brisk and that the calibre of the performances he gleans from Todd Waring, Kathleen Lasky and others reflects his
professional competence. (Profanity, adult situations.) leave a comment
