My Take:

Every time I saw Alan Arkin, all I could think of was “Argo-fuck yourself.” Which is a compliment in the highest order. I worked at a video store for years and would always come across this title, but it just didn’t look appealing to me. Maybe it was the box art; maybe it was the fact that it was the final destination in returning the massive stacks of VHS’ to the shelves on a daily basis. I was sucked into this film from the start with the creepy score and the opening airport sequence, one of the only outdoor scenes in the film. Films that take place primarily in a single location are hard for me to get used to, but this one did a fantastic job at keeping my attention and ratcheting up the tension throughout. Audrey Hepburn was as great as she’s always been; she never really starred in a film that sucked.

What I liked:

The trio of Arkin, Richard Crenna and Jack Weston as the baddies were intriguing in an irreverent way.

What I didn’t like:

Even the blind Susy should have noticed that her bedroom closet door was unlocked and opened with a dead body hanging on the rack, instead of being locked as it usually was.

What I learned:

This was the only feature film for the little girl who played Susy’s helper/neighbor Gloria, and when you see her act you’ll know why.