SummaryA couple works hard to renovate its dream house and become landlords to pay for it. Unfortunately, one of their tenants has plans of his own.
Directed By:John Schlesinger
Written By:Daniel Pyne
Pacific Heights
Metascore
Mixed or Average
55
User score
Generally Favorable
7.0
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
48% Positive
12 Reviews
12 Reviews
36% Mixed
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
16% Negative
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
88
One of the best adult suspense films of the year. [28 Sept 1990, p.3F]
80
[Keaton] delivers a chilling performance, imbuing what could have been a one-note nut case with unexpected reserves of feeling. The acting and direction don’t fill in all the credibility gaps, but they do make for classy, crackling suspense.
75
The actors perform as though this were a first-class effort, and at times almost make you believe it. Matthew Modine is boyish and explosive, and Melanie Griffith further establishes herself as an interesting and original actress. Her line readings are odd, yet strangely right. [28 Sept 1990, p.E1]
60
Schlesinger stages the action with smooth assurance, gradually building tension until Hayes goes completely round the bend. The problem lies in Daniel Pyne's script: the relationship between Drake and Patty is half-realised, while Hayes' motivations remain strangely muddled. That said, Keaton is chillingly convincing.
50
You can’t make a good thriller when the most pressing issue is whether the protagonists will have to default on their mortgage payments.
40
Part of what keeps this from working is that Modine's character is almost as obnoxious as Keaton's—Griffith proves to be the pluckiest member of the trio—and matters are not improved by a lot of gratuitous camera movement and an especially lousy dream sequence.
25
Pacific Heights wastes our time and the talent of three top actors, Michael Keaton, Melanie Griffith and Matthew Modine. What possibly attracted them to this inconsequential exploitation film about a tenant from hell terrorizing his landlords in an effort to steal their home? We keep waiting for the film to develop some larger meaning or greater purpose. It never does. [29 Sept 1990, p.C2]
User score
Generally Favorable
64% Positive
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
27% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
9% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
Sep 15, 2023
5
It was nicely shot but there was negligible use of surround sound although it wasn't a deal breaker. Pacing was good as was acting. There have been a few similar films where someone excerpts control over the life of others for their own evil gain. The Hitcher (1986) springs to mind. These kinds of movies are scary but there isn't a lot of suspense. They are thrillers and they are clever but they are all basically the same. It's horrible to think that someone could take over your life and ruin your happiness. This movie effectively makes you scared of normal people and letting people into your life. It worked but I want a bit more excitement or humour or braindeadness or basically something more engaging. Effective thriller that makes you scared of everyday people.
