This film was recommended to me by a fairly reliable source, and I have to say that despite the clichés of the script and some poor special fx, it wasn't so bad. Excellent acting by Gary Berghoff, Jason Miller, and a young Jennifer Skirkanich really enabled this film to rise above the genre.
It should be noted that the film does fall into the classic Hollywood trap of demonizing gays. Although Berghoff's direction and acting breathe some life into the character of fleck, it seems his homosexuality only serves to paint him as "crazy." Another problem in the realm of Fleck's sexuality, is the apparent confusion over his pedophilia (ie it;s never clear whether his interest in the kidnapped children is prurient or purely mercantile.)
in the end, it is Skirkanich's performance that saves the day.
It should be noted that the film does fall into the classic Hollywood trap of demonizing gays. Although Berghoff's direction and acting breathe some life into the character of fleck, it seems his homosexuality only serves to paint him as "crazy." Another problem in the realm of Fleck's sexuality, is the apparent confusion over his pedophilia (ie it;s never clear whether his interest in the kidnapped children is prurient or purely mercantile.)
in the end, it is Skirkanich's performance that saves the day.