Last Rites (1998 TV Movie) User Reviews (20)

Sometimes it is hard to find the last word.

[michaelRokeefe · 6/10 · 19 April 2002]

Very interesting. The story line seems familiar. Great acting from Randy Quaid. Jeremy Dillion(Quaid)is a high profile serial killer and is scheduled to die in the electric chair. A fluke lightning storm at the exact time of execution leaves the notorious killer a survivor of "old sparky". As Dillion recovers from the high voltage, he tries to assure that he is a changed man. Not only does he not remember his past; he has headaches that seems to let him see the future.

Very impressive execution scene. Quaid is commanding in his best work in a very long time. This thrilling drama also features A Martinez, Embeth Davidtz and a small role for Clarence Williams III.

Impressive

[falster · 7/10 · 12 October 2000]

As far as TV movies go, I was pretty impressed by this movie. I generally avoid them at all costs, but I caught the beginning and found myself hooked by the pretty interesting situation and ideas put forward. My only complaint was that it turned a bit predictable at the very end, although I was left guessing for a while if he was pulling a "Primal Fear". If it's on, I'd recommend you watch it.

Never Judge a book (or a film) by its cover!

[dan_in_denver · 7/10 · 8 September 2002]

This movie was a pleasant surprise!! When I saw it listed for cable, I thought (mostly because of the title) "Yaaawwwwwnnn.. another horror flick". That was the only yawning I did from the time the film opened.

The film tells the story of convicted serial killer Jeremy Dillon (Randy Quaid) who is about to die in the electric chair for the brutal sexual assault and rape of several women.

Dillon survives the execution attempt after a freak accident causes the electric chair to malfunction. Dillon is still electrocuted, but survives. Or did he?

The Jeremy Dillon that leaves the execution chamber is very different from the Jeremy Dillon that entered it. He has no memories of committing the murders, in fact, everything about the last 12 years of his life is a blank. When confronted with pictures of his victims, Dillon shows revulsion and disbelief at what he has done.

And he has changed in other ways too.. The experience has changed DIllon's perception of the world, literally, leaving him with the ability to see certain events in both the future and past.

This movie is more than just a prison movie, and definitely not a horror film. I have always enjoyed Randy Quaid, and he does an outstanding job here. Its not a thought provoking movie, and makes no attempt to make a "statement". It will hook you from beginning to end though!! 7/10

How did we miss this one?

[Shhhhhhh · 5 October 1999]

I'm showing this one to all of my friends who somehow missed it too. Randy Quaid does some of his best acting (although you've gotta admit his true calling is in comedys). I also enjoyed the script, especially where they DIDN'T say anything. Randy in the toaster (electric chair), without any last words is classy. Rent it!

Is there room for mercy?

[lastliberal · 6/10 · 31 December 2007]

What if someone has been truly rehabilitated after being sentenced to death. Do you forget the heinous crimes they committed if they cannot remember them? If they are able to help you solve future crimes will you keep them alive? These are the questions that come up in this interesting film starring Randy Quaid (The Last Detail, Brokeback Mountain) and Embeth Davidtz (Bicentennial Man, Bridget Jones's Diary).

He is a convict struck by lightning at the moment of his execution. He lives and can see future crimes. She is the Psychiatrist trying to determine if he should be executed again.

It makes you think about capital punishment, retribution, and forgiveness. Great ending.

X Files it ain't

[anne-craig · 5/10 · 1 January 2005]

When I looked at the summary for this it immediately screamed X Files at me so I just had to have a look. Randy Quaid plays it just right as the convicted sex killer on death row. Throughout the film he is convincing in the part, and he definitely holds your attention throughout the movie. Unfortunately this film didn't quite live up to its promise, and is nowhere near as well-written as the X Files. However, there was definitely something which made me keep watching, despite the facts that I'd seen it all before, there was a lack of action and I knew where the film was going. The other actors were less convincing, and there was a general lack of characterisation, while the prison staff were definitely just stereotypes, without a shred of originality. Yet it moves along, sucks you into its atmosphere and holds you till the end.

Very good

[sunking · 9/10 · 7 January 1999]

A very good movie, especially for a made for cable movie. The funny thing is I saw this movie by accident. I read the summary of the movie in the T.V. guide, but wasn't interested in it. Anyway I was watching the tube when the movie suddenly came on.

I immediately was hooked, and thought the plot was well done.

Badly Paced Amongst Other Things

[Theo Robertson · 5/10 · 24 January 2005]

From almost the opening shot things start to go wrong with LAST RITES . The first scene features a run down cell block circa 1930 then when the story cuts to outside the prison a few moments later we find it's present day America with a TV crew filming a baying mob . One quickly realises that director Kevin Dowling isn't tricking the audience into thinking this is a 1930s prison and that it's more of a directorial blunder . We're then shown a totally realistic scene where both black and white cons take bets in a recreation hall while an execution is about to be performed . Let me get this straight - Black and white prisoners in an American maximum security prison get along fine and no one bothers to lock them down during an execution ! I don't think the producers of OZ have come out with anything so unrealistic , and at least in Oswald state prison the cast give power house performances unlike the inmates here . But perhaps the biggest problem is the script's pace , we have to endure the story set up of Jeremy ( Oh what a butch name ) being being executed then surviving followed by the revelation that he's lost his memory and has premonitions almost until half way through the running time . This slow burning set up almost makes LAST RITES a damp squib and ruins much of its potential

Did I say this movie had potential ? It's a shame because once the premise is set up ( Which could have been done in ten minutes ) we have a fairly interesting story featuring redemption with almost supernatural overtones , a bit like THE GREEN MILE without the overbearing sentiment . Despite my criticising some of the supporting cast ( And boy are some of the performances quite woeful ) the three leads of Quaid , Davidtz and Martinez do manage to bring enough conviction to their parts to stop this movie being a complete waste of time . But this could and should have been a much better thriller

What a surprise

[kitchkinet · 9/10 · 30 September 2001]

This was made-for-cable? This was a very good movie.

Randy Quaid was awesome as serial killer Jeremy Dillon, who undergoes a transformation after his execution in Florida's electric chair is botched (Yes, it IS set in Florida, and they do mention 'Ol' Sparky'. Interestingly enough, this movie was made after an inmate's face burst into flames while he was being electrocuted). Now, not only does he not believe he's capable of the acts he committed (raping and murdering young women) much less remember them, he can see the future as well. When his 'psychic' powers lead to the closure of some cases, including the freedom of a friend wrongly placed on death row himself, the public becomes sympathetic. But can he convince the Governor, the Warden, his psychologist and a victim's advocate (who is the sister of one of his victims) that's he's really a changed man?

Suspension of disbelief!? Suspension of thought is more like it!

[moses-11 · 4/10 · 9 June 1999]

A made-for-cable exclusive: Last Rites. Sometimes direct to cable can be a bad thing. Randy Quaid was pretty good, but, as my sister pointed out, he never plays a sane character. However, the rest of the cast was for the most part lame, and the story was incredibly predictable. That means something, coming from a guy who actively tries not to guess what will happen next. It's more fun to just let it happen. When it comes out on video, stay away. Rating: Kind of Lame.

A Great Movie!

[Emmanuel-11 · 10/10 · 15 June 1999]

This movie is awesome. I consider it one of the best I have ever seen in my life. So many things went through my mind when I saw this movie. I changed my mind about 3 or 4 times during the movie. In contrast with what I saw in other comments, I personally think this movie was not predictable. It creates a feeling of mystery and anger at the same time. This movie was not all fiction, because what happened to Jeremy can happen in real life. At first I didn't think it could, but I asked a doctor and he told me it did. Overall, I really liked this movie and I think it's a great choice. I fully recommend it.

Good cable movie

[Mike-DD · 8/10 · 23 August 2000]

For a made-for-cable TV movie, this one ranks as one of the better ones in terms of plot, characterization, acting and progress of the movie. You are never sure until the end if Jeremy Dillion is really good or just appears to be. I won't spoil the ending by telling you what happened, just suffice to say that throughout the movie, you will be wavering between good and bad, and you will not know until the end. The film builds up a good momentum towards the climax, and I thoroughly enjoyed this, which I might have missed have I not read the cable TV guide and saw this as the best pick of all.

Solid performances all around

[jukebox-2 · 9/10 · 5 February 2000]

Well acted, well directed even though the story takes a few turns to make you think in certain directions. You really are kept guessing for much of the film as to what really happened to Jeremy Dillon. There's also some serious political statements underlying parts of this film.

Definitely a must-see.

A Fantastic Film -- Highly Recommended

[frankwaters · 10/10 · 9 March 2001]

I recently watched this on cable one night, as there was not much on. I was stunned as I encountered an absolutley brilliant film that I'd never ever heard of before. What makes this film isn't apparant - the directing, nor the acting is remarkably supurb to the point that it stands out -- it's just that it grabs you, and then the storyline throws you around.

I'd recommend it to *Anyone*.

What will it take for you to forgive someone . . .Your life!!

[corey-77 · 10/10 · 17 January 2005]

I was so touched by this film. I am a born again Christian and one of the foundations of Christanity is forgiveness. This film really hits home on forgiveness. My friend was murdered by her boy friend in 2004 and in 2005 they gave him life in prison. I would not like to put myself in the shoes of the family, but could I forgive him as a Christian? and if he some how received a gift such as the character in the film and he saves a life or stops a murder from happening could I forgive him? and if he saves my life could I forgive him? I will never know unless it happened to me but I pray it does not.

I think this is one of the best films I have seen and I recommend not only do you watch this film but put your feet in the shoes of the family and ask yourself could you forgive?

When Jesus was on the cross the same people who put Him to death mocked Him even while He was dying on the cross and with what breath He had left. . . He still said "Father forgive them for they know not what they do". . .

If I had gone to the movies I would of been happy that I paid to see it. But as it was on TV and it was free I give this film a 9 out 10.

Great premise, lame story

[MrPink-13 · 18 August 1999]

After the first couple of scenes, I thought, "What an interesting idea--now let's see what they do with it." I was hoping this film would provoke some really hard thinking about moral responsibility, what we mean by one's "self", etc., but it turned into the usual tale of "redemption," accompanied by (of course) gunplay and suspense. Wait, did I say suspense? Sorry. The final "twist" is so utterly predictable and so obviously foreshadowed very early in the story that the last half-hour is just a waste of time-- a big build-up to something you already know is going to happen. Instead of an act of redeeming self-sacrifice on the part of the main character, it would have been more interesting if presented strictly as a legal conundrum, with arguments for and against commuting the killer's death sentence, etc. >

One outstanding mind game movie

[reborn81901 · 10/10 · 26 March 2002]

This is the best for Randy Quaid. I have seen him in a lot of his movies and he is outstanding in this role. From the opening scene in the FL prison to the ending scene in a parking lot, you are guessing on what he is up to. Outstanding performances and directing.

A MUST SEE!!!!

Descent...for a TV movie

[ffinch247 · 24 January 2005]

For a TV movie this is pretty good, Randy Quaid is EXCELLENT! I think the idea behind this film is what pulls people in and keeps them interested. The first time I saw this film I only saw the last half hour and waited almost two years for it to turn up again on the TV listings, I have to say it was worth the wait. As I've already said Quaid is by far the best performance of this film and carries it for a lot of the time.

They could of very easily overdone the bits about the vision and made it very corny but the didn't and I think it paid off I have two ratings for this film, as a TV movie I give it 7/10 But more generally as a film I give it 5/10

My Uncle Rocks

[crashingforward · 10/10 · 19 March 2006]

My uncle Tim wrote this movie. I saw it when it came out and I was about 12 or younger. Rock on Uncle Tim! The movie was better than a made for TV movie. I really enjoyed his story line. He may be my uncle but that does not weight my opinion. I can't wait to see his next script become a movie.

I also do not like that this site requires you to write a mandatory b.s. of 10 lines of text. two thumbs down IMDb. Or that attempts to pad your submission may result in your account being blocked. All I need to say is go Uncle Tim!!

He has worked on some really good movies so he must know what it takes.

And it is my right to turn this garbage off.

[MovieAddict2016 · 21 August 2003]

Unwatchable film that should have been released straight-to-video. Predictable, cliched and silly, with bad acting (Uncle Eddie seems drugged out here) and bad scriptwriting. The "surprise twist" at the end just confirms our sneaky suspicious that this sucker shoulda been straight-to-VHS.

2/5 stars -

John Ulmer