The Apartment Complex (1999 TV Movie) User Reviews

Wha...Tobe?

[BandSAboutMovies · 5/10 · 29 December 2021]

This movie knows how to get a great cast together: Chad Lowe as its hero, along with Patrick Warburton, Tyra Banks, Amanda Plummer and R. Lee Ermey as some of the tenants that he's watching over.

The last man in his place disappeared and now, after being accused of murder, it feels like Lowe's Stan Warden is facing the same future. There's also a fun script, written by Eerie, Indiana and Strange Luck creator - and the man who directed one of the original Fear Street TV movies - Karl Schaefer.

It's also goofy in all the best ways - the owner's name is Dr. Caligari, it was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright's brother Iggy, certain apartments are just missing - and seems like it could have been a series.

I've seen some bad reviews on this, but maybe it just hit me right. Or maybe I always cut Tobe Hooper - yes, he directed this! - a break. I wasn't expecting much and ended up walking away finding somethingh mildly fun.

Junk food for couch potatoes

[=G= · 4/10 · 19 February 2002]

"The Apartment Complex" is a campy comedy full of kookie characters created in lieu of a real story which tells a young psych student (Lowe) who takes a job managing an apartment complex and becomes embroiled in a murder mystery...um, if you can call it that. This low cal watch contains no suspense, no thrills, no drama, no action, precious few funny moments, a dash of nudity, and almost no romance. "The Apartment Complex" is passable, forgettable junk food for only the most needy couch potatoes.

Kooky, off-kilter thriller

[purple prole · 21 December 2001]

I came across this film by accident on tv tonight, and knew nothing at all about it beforehand. So my expectations of it were totally non-existent. Always a great state of mind to have when watching a film.

I enjoyed it a lot. It had a fair amount of groovy unexpectedness to it, and some smart moments of humour. Yes, it is a COMIC thriller (something which I was surprised to find missing on these hallowed pages). If you didn't see humour in this film then you just couldn't have been paying attention. Even the title is a psychology pun.

I don't know much of what Chad Lowe had done before this, but I thought he played a fine part. As did Amanda Plummer and R Lee Ermey (seemingly destined to play 'military guy' forever but he does it so well).

Tobe Hooper's direction was pretty smart for the most part. I did think the comparison between the people in the complex and rats in a maze was a bit overplayed. But that be a minor quibble.

Overall it's well worth watching.

kept me on my seat

[oana.farcas · 7/10 · 1 June 2000]

Well, I wouldn't call it a blockbuster, but I had the chance to see this movie on video and I have to admit, it kept me right on my seat, until the very end. I am a fan of Chad Lowe, so I started watching this movie just for him. Despite the awful performances coming from the others, he manages OK, even if it's not Amadeus. The plot is simple but intriguing. If you want a nice, pleasant movie with some twists, which you can forget afterwards, this is the one.

This was surprisingly good..

[jamesparsons9393 · 7/10 · 4 November 2021]

Pretty funny, weird and enjoyable. It seemed like it was going to be terrible at first because it was quite obviously a made for TV production, but quickly won me over. It managers to be light-heartedly quirky without being obnoxious or cheesy in an annoying way, and lots of genuine laughs. Too bad there is no quality release of the film.

Awesome, funny, misunderstood

[mormino · 9/10 · 20 July 2001]

Excellent flic; sold as a "drama" by Showtime, was a comedy CLEARLY. The question is; do you get it? Definitely worthwhile, you MUST check it out! Excellent characters and plot.

Vero & Tony

watch it

[kinderwhore · 23 October 2003]

What can i say?? I stumbled across this movie whilst rummaging through the ex-rental,half off bin at my local video store.and thank the lord i did. This movie is the most surreal,brilliantly shot i've seen a long time.Granted..there is no plot but who in the hell cares?? For those of you that do..student takes over the running of a small apartment complex (see what they did there?) and all manner of odd things happen.thats basically it..oh,and supermodel Tyra Banks is in in..and does a lot of wrestling with another chick..and..well..thats it!! but see it..you wont regret it!! and if you need more persuading it was directed by the legend that is TOBE HOOPER!!

This is a thrilling, on the edge of your seat movie.

[loscar101 · 10/10 · 23 June 2001]

I only started watching this movie because Chad Lowe starred in it, but after awhile it got to be thrilling. The plot is messed up but it just puts a twist to the movie. So if you like to see thrilling on the edge of your seat movie then I recommend this one. Also Chad Lowe is so fine in this movie.

Okay time waster at best

[marcibun · 3 August 2001]

While the storyline is certainly unique, it isn't enough to be more than something to pass the time if you have nothing better to do. The acting is mediocre, which is disappointing considering the calibre of the cast. To his benefit, Chad Lowe delivers his lines with the sense of humor that is required to pull this movie off. Its not the worst movie ever made, but its close. If there is nothing else left on the shelf at your local video store and you insist on watching something, then this movie is for you. True Chad Lowe fans will enjoy it merely for the fact that he is in 90% of the scenes.