Random Encounter (1998)

One of my all time favorites.

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

I've read the other reviews of this film with some interest in theirdiversity of opinions. Those who questioned Berkley's range as anactress must not have seen "Showgirls (1995)." In that movie sheplayed Nomi Malone,a slutty, low-class-to-the-bone, dancing starwannabe. I see a lot of contrast here, especially in her formal,dress-up scenes. In "Any Given Sunday (1999)," she played a littledifferent role, Mandy Murphy, a sexy cocktail party seductress,trying to hit on Al Pacino. "That's ok, I like older men,"...orsomething like that. I must admit that I haven't seen her as a WWFgirl or a mud wrestling scene, for that matter. But I hope that kind ofstuff is not required to establish "range."What kept my attention during "Random Encounter" was thealmost Hitchcockian plot, complete with surprise ending (surpriseto me, anyway). Although the clues were scattered throughout themovie, it was late in the film when I figured out "who dunnit."This film also reminded me of the Jag Mundhra film "Sexual Malice(1994)," in which Diana Barton plays a role similar to Berlkey's in"Random Encouner."I think it is one of the best of its genre. (But since I'm the onlyperson on my block who refuses to watch "reality tv" and recentCoors commercials, don't trust my taste.)

This movie is great. I got the DVD today(but had already seen the film). The DVD is great also, it has cast filmographies, trailer, and scene selection(also Spanish Sub-titles). Anyway, this movie is well written, acted, and produced. I would have added a few more scenes(to cover up a few questions that you may have about the movie), but other than that it is excellent. I give it 5(out of 5) stars! The official summary (on the back of the DVD is:): you meet a handsome man at a buisness party(it actually says dinner, but it was a party). You're dazzled by his charm(he's not that charming though). But what if that man was a player in a game of murder who was about to destroy your life bit by bit(it says other stuff, but this is a short version). Allie has a brief tryst with the man, but soon allie's job, safety, and sanity are all fair game.I think you should buy this film, it is great on video or DVD. I will definantly watch it again, again, and again.

As thrillers go, "Random Encounter" is fairly routine overall. Numerous holes in the story harm this film the most. Some of the holes leave the viewer wondering what happened. A little better writing would have helped. A few original twists elevate it somewhat. Some decent photography and acting elevate the film even more. Joel Wyner is reasonably convincing as the treacherous Kyle Jones. His main problem is that compared to Elizabeth Berkley he is a shrimp. Elizabeth Berkley is as beautiful as ever and does a nice job as the PR exec Allie Keller. She does look a little young for the character she plays but she is never-the-less convincing. No one should have a problem with her performance. This is a nice film for Elizabeth Berkley fans and also for thriller & suspense enthusiasts but should be of interest to others as well. It is worth the watch and I'd say better than average.

where Brian de Palma had left us with "Dressed to Kill" in 1980. "Random Encounter" shares a number of features with de Palma best movies: an interesting and complicated story, a beautiful main character and a somehow smoothing music that contrasts with the intensity of the drama.As for the main character and her depth as an actress, I will make no judgment here. I think she does just what the director wanted her to do: be pretty and smart in circumstances in which most of us would just surrender without thinking any further.This movie is a living tribute to de Palma's work and it is, in my opinion, a very successful one.