In a film genre of "Pulp Fiction"-like themes, it seems that every new action-adventure flick attempts to cross the line into the realm of the bizarre and unusual. Theaters are crowded with films that thrive on the peculiarities of modern society and satirical concepts of cultural oddities. The creativity and lack of innovative twists of these films, however, has diminished, leaving audiences dissatisfied in the end.
"The Long Kiss Goodnight" attempts to fit into this category. Geena Davis plays suburbanite school teacher Samantha Caine who cannot remember her wicked past. A recent accident revives her altered personality and causes a clash between the PTA mother and the counter assassin.
The dual roles of this bizarre woman provide great intensity throughout the plot; the differences between the loving mother whose biggest concern is making dinner and the fearless government agent, Charly Baltimore, who makes a living killing people develop into the best facet of this plot.
In her attempts to understand her history, Caine hires low-budget investigator Mitch Henessey (Samuel L. Jackson) to find details. Henessey thrives on earning an easy buck, and soon after involving himself with Caine, he questions the point.
As the two attempt to discover the truth of the past, more and more of the mischievous Baltimore is revealed. Henessey finds he is in more trouble than he can handle, and his frightened approach to the whole situation offsets the aggression of Charly.
Before the initial accident that erased her memory, Charly had become pregnant with Caitlin; the 8-year-old daughter becomes caught in the midst of the conflict by becoming the object of Charly's aggression. She is the only link her mother has to the wholesome world; therefore, the opposing forces use her as the bait to trap her mother. Throughout the entire traumatic experience, Caitlin somehow manages to be emotionally unscarred. All the changes in both her mother's appearance and personality leaves her amazingly unaffected.
In such aspects, "The Long Kiss Goodnight" lacks in a balance between the imaginary and realistic worlds. The beginning of the film has a pensive tone, and the end has a satirical theme playing on the violence that is scattered throughout the plot. Scenes that would undoubtedly influence human nature go unnoticed, and the discrepancies leave a bit to be desired.
The film's special effects have the potential to increase the action; however, poor cinematography creates a mockery of the final scenes. The gap between what really could happen, and what only happens in Hollywood is sporadically intermixed, and the overall impression is more humorous than suspenseful.
Many aspects of the film, too, are left underdeveloped. Multiple scenes have little significance and mostly deter from the effect, rather than add to it.
Davis does a remarkable job with the conflicting personalities. The transitions between the two lifestyles give the film strength. Coming off her recent bomb, "Cutthroat Island," Davis redeems her career as the secret agent turned mother-of-the-year.
Jackson does a decent job as the private investigator who is only out to earn a living. He adds comedy to the suspense, and his personality, as mischievous as it is, checks the high-strung Charly. The film's role reversal, places Caine in charge and Jackson as the fearful sidekick.
The plot of "The Long Kiss Goodnight" bares much resemblance to the recent Arnold Schwarzenegger flick, "True Lies." Both present the life of a suburban family, caught in the tangles of government espionage. As an audience, we get the feeling that we have definitely seen this somewhere before.
The film is produced and directed by Renny Harlin, Davis' real-life husband. His repertoire shows his insight for action and comedy including blockbusters such as "Cliffhanger" and "Speechless."
The obscurities of "The Long Kiss Goodnight" place it perfectly into the trend of modern film. The story attempts to weave multiple plots combined into one; however, it lacks the continuity and balance that have made other films of its kind a success.
Geena Davis attempts a comeback of sorts by starring in "The Long Kiss Goodnight," a film directed by her husband, Renny Harlin. And, as you can plainly see, she loves shooting guns.