The stage curtains open ...
Being a fan of the original 1949 film, I had high hopes that this 1988 remake, starring Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan, would give us a good modern take on a classic story. And, to a degree, it did do that. Rather than sticking to the original story, it kept the premise with all new characters and a new story - which ultimately works for an enjoyable thriller noir experience.
Our story centers around Dexter Cornell (Quaid), a college professor and published author. Once an ambitious writer, Cornell has settled into an uninspired life causing a major rift with his wife, and contention with his peers. When one of his more promising students dies from apparent suicide, Cornell's world is turned upside down. After a night of drinking and self pity, he wakes up in the dorm room of one of his students, Sydney (Ryan). He is feeling extremely sick, so he goes to the hospital to find he was poisoned and only has 24-48 hours left to live. Cornell decides to solve his own murder as he cascades down a perilous path of discovery before it's too late.
This film moves along at a very good pace, and it makes every single minute count. I really liked Dennis Quaid in this movie. He carries it well with a strong performance in his portrayal of a man at the end of his rope. You really feel his frustration and despair. Meg Ryan, who would later become his real life wife, played the college student, who has a crush on her professor, well. The chemistry was there. The only failing of this film is that it does come across as corny and cheesy in parts. But, you have enough fun watching it, that these are easily forgivable.
I recommend "D.O.A.". It gets a strong 7 stars out of 10 from me. You are given plenty of twists and turns, and the final reveal was satisfying. It has some memorable moments as well, making it a worthy entry into its genre. I feel the original 1949 version is the superior film, despite the fact that it's dated. But, you can't go wrong with this solid remake.
Being a fan of the original 1949 film, I had high hopes that this 1988 remake, starring Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan, would give us a good modern take on a classic story. And, to a degree, it did do that. Rather than sticking to the original story, it kept the premise with all new characters and a new story - which ultimately works for an enjoyable thriller noir experience.
Our story centers around Dexter Cornell (Quaid), a college professor and published author. Once an ambitious writer, Cornell has settled into an uninspired life causing a major rift with his wife, and contention with his peers. When one of his more promising students dies from apparent suicide, Cornell's world is turned upside down. After a night of drinking and self pity, he wakes up in the dorm room of one of his students, Sydney (Ryan). He is feeling extremely sick, so he goes to the hospital to find he was poisoned and only has 24-48 hours left to live. Cornell decides to solve his own murder as he cascades down a perilous path of discovery before it's too late.
This film moves along at a very good pace, and it makes every single minute count. I really liked Dennis Quaid in this movie. He carries it well with a strong performance in his portrayal of a man at the end of his rope. You really feel his frustration and despair. Meg Ryan, who would later become his real life wife, played the college student, who has a crush on her professor, well. The chemistry was there. The only failing of this film is that it does come across as corny and cheesy in parts. But, you have enough fun watching it, that these are easily forgivable.
I recommend "D.O.A.". It gets a strong 7 stars out of 10 from me. You are given plenty of twists and turns, and the final reveal was satisfying. It has some memorable moments as well, making it a worthy entry into its genre. I feel the original 1949 version is the superior film, despite the fact that it's dated. But, you can't go wrong with this solid remake.