Attraction Movie Review

They almost had me, but then they blew it. Attraction, a direct-to-video release that purports to turn the tables on the stalker movie, never quite makes it, despite a promising cast and an interesting twist.

As the story goes, Matthew (Matthew Settle) just can't get over his ex-girlfriend Liz (Gretchen Mol), which sees him drinking heavily and attempting to beat down Liz's door in the hopes of getting her back. (Never mind that Matthew's job is being a radio psychologist...) Fortunately, Liz's friend Corey (Samantha Mathis) enters his life, and maybe Matthew will be able to move on, right? Alas, he continues stalking Liz while he's banging her friend. And to throw another twist on you, Matthew's co-worker Garrett (Tom Everett Scott), decides he now loves Liz, and he's going to return the favor by stalking Matthew and Corey.

Unfortunately, Attraction soon degenerates into everyone stalking everyone else (and oddly enough, they're all sleeping with each other, too), to the point where you wonder who you're supposed to be rooting for. Ultimately, that person turns out to be Mathis's vulnerable Corey, an aspiring actress who is humiliated by having to perform a scene in a play -- buck naked under a strobe light.

Curious indeed, but the lack of sympathetic characters is ultimately too big of an obstacle to overcome. And more importantly, while Attraction tries to maintain a sophisticated air with some good, nuanced performances, it fails to capitalize on the fact that it will be found in the "thriller" bin at any video store. With nary a cat jumping or a sudden phone ringing, you'll find precious little thrill in this film.