The Trigger Effect (1996)

A blackout leaves those affected to consider what is necessary, what is legal, and what is questionable, in order to survive in a predatory environment.

Moralizing doomsday tale has a good premise exploring the effects of a catastrophe on human society, but, despite serviceable performances, it is unsatisfactorily uneven and inconsequential.

Maltin**1/2: "Maddeningly uneven apocalyptic thriller...Intended as an examination of contemporary insensitivity and alienation, and how society might unravel in the wake of such a catastrophe, but falls apart after a solid start.The finale is especially incongruous."

Cliffhanger (1993)

A botched mid-air heist results in suitcases full of cash being searched for by various groups throughout the Rocky Mountains.

Over-the-top actioner with some spectacular, but very unlikely mountaineering stunts; quite entertaining, if you don't take it too seriously.

Halliwell*: "Enjoyably silly action adventure, with some spectacular, edgy stunts, although it never touches reality at any point and has one of the more ludicrous lip-smacking villains this side of melodrama."

Maltin***: "Eye-popping photography.., white-knuckle stunts, a swift pace, and entertaining characters add up to what a well-made action film should be: tons of fun. Story is thin, though."

The Bone Collector (1999)

A quadriplegic ex-homicide detective and his female partner try to track down a serial killer who is terrorizing New York City.

Routine variation of a serial killer thriller; professional direction and cast plus a higher budget are the factors that make this movie slightly better than the usual crime TV episode.

Halliwell (no star): "A wearying, downbeat thriller of a familiar kind, dragged down by a script that makes little narrative sense and leaves too many questions unanswered."

Maltin***: "First-rate suspense thriller/whodunit...Not for the squeamish."