Fatal Instinct

Last week, I wrote about the movie Hexed, which was marketed as a Fatal Attraction/Basic Instinct spoof. Today, I thought I would talk about a true spoof of those, and other great sexy noir films, 1993's Fatal Instinct.

Armand Assante stars as Ned Ravine, who happens to be a cop and a lawyer. While on a stakeout, he meets femme fatale Lola Cain, Sean Young. Ned has an instant attraction to her, and she hires him for a case. Ned's girl Friday Laura, Sherilyn Fenn, doesn't trust her, but Ned proclaims that he is an expert when it comes to woman and that she shouldn't worry. Lola does have ulterior motives, but she's not the only one targeting Ned. His wife Lana, Kate Nelligan, is having an affair with a mechanic, Christopher McDonald, and the two are plotting to knock off Ned. As is Max Shady, James Remar, a recently paroled convict who Ned put away. Ned is totally oblivious to it all.

I love when serious actor's drop their guard and act foolish. Such is the case with Assante in this movie. After years of playing in heavy drama's and action films, Assante cuts loose and totally bafoons it up. And he is hysterical. The rest of the cast is great too, but Assante steals the picture.

Directed by legendary funnyman Carl Reiner, Fatal Instinct not only spoofs Basic Instinct and Fatal Attraction, but also Cape Fear, Sleeping With The Enemy, Body Heat, Chinatown, Double Indemnity, and The Postman Rings Twice, just to name a few.

This is a silly film that fans of noir will really appreciate.

It's available on dvd and blu ray.