MovieChat Forums > Shoot to Kill (1988) Discussion > The Best Intro to a Movie I've Ever Seen...

The Best Intro to a Movie I've Ever Seen!

posted 11 years ago by miamicane3269
7 replies | jump to latest

It was suspenseful, drama-filled, action-packed and dark and mysterious.

I remember I first watched this when I was in college and I got back to my apt. after tossing back quie a few and this movie just turned on. I was about to call it a night until I saw the guy start taking his diamonds and jewelery. I'm like, "what's going on?" and then the interrogation turns out to be a much bigger crime in kidnapping.

Then we see the mansion with a whole bunch of cops/SWAT, etc. and I'm getting really into it. I also loved that Sydney was the hostage negotiator and the creepy voice/killer. I'm thinking, "These guys never get out and leave." Especially after, he shot the housekeeper. Then I was like, this guy's crazy! And, this was pure genius, how he got out with a blanket covering both of them. Superb!

And then the pier scene with the fog and how you couldn't make out his face. This was pretty chilling to say the least and the misdirection with the boat. All in all one of the best opening scenes and movies I've ever seen.

[–] Timberwolf0530 11 years ago

The credits were really cool too with the close up of the street car cable.

[–] noofy311 11 years ago

I absolutely agree with you! They did it right. This film grabs you and shakes you from the first few seconds and doesn't let off the gas.

They also do such a great job developing the characters, their back-stories, and how they evolve and relate to one another, all while the suspense and action continue. It's much more interesting than the slow build-up that most stories follow.

They even mix in a little dark humor. The pairing of Berenger and Poitier, being so different, initially seems doomed, but ultimately it makes the movie as great as it is.

It's not the type of movie that I nitpick over, because while all movies have errors, I can't think of anything so glaring that the intense drama and suspense are broken, at least in my opinion. Just enjoy the ride!

[–] royu2 11 years ago

The first time I saw this movie I was about 12, and it got to the bit where you find out he wasn't on the boat, and I remember thinking "man I've never watched a movie that grabbed my attention so much in such a short period of time."

The first 40 minutes of this movie blew me away like I'd never been blown away before, and maybe even since.

[–] Neil_Williamson 8 years ago

I guess that is explained by the fact you were 12 and hadn't seen many movies before. There are countless films with better intros than this.

[–] MissMargoChanning (6630) 7 years ago

Well, I wasn't 12 when I first saw it and it grabbed my attention!

[–] godewey (16472) 7 years ago

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[–] MissMargoChanning (6630) 7 years ago

Thanks. It started with a jewel theft at this mansion and a hostage situation. It really did suck you into the movie.
Good movie. I just saw it again a few days ago.