That was an excellent one.

Pretty Good

Powerful

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Only this year has this combination black comedy / psychological thriller / urban paranoia flick / satire finally gotten a DVD release, thanks to the fine folk at Scream Factory. That would be good news to those who are fans, but for this viewer, who hadn't seen it since it hit VHS, it has to rate as a failure. An interesting failure, for sure, but a failure, none the less. Of course, this is just personal taste speaking, but I didn't find it funny often enough and was a little put off by the over the top, cartoonish performances in the three main roles. Still, it's wacky and offbeat enough to sustain itself for a while, until the final third when it goes downhill.A production of Mel Brooks' company Brooksfilms, this was the final directorial effort for effects veteran Chris Walas, who returned to what he did best afterwards. Bill Paxton stars as Graham Krakowski, a wimpy yuppie who buys a fixer-upper house across the street from a vacant lot. Soon Graham comes to be terrorized by a towering, hideous, disease-ridden bum, played by character actor Marshall Bell of such movies as "Total Recall" and "Starship Troopers". The bum frequently squats in the aforementioned lot, but also lets himself into Grahams' home whenever he likes. Graham eventually wonders if he's letting his own darkest inner thoughts and imagination get the better of him.This probably could have been a bit better had it not resolved itself the way that it does. Walas' direction is adequate, although it may have been nice had he reined in the actors a bit. Michael Ironside scowls his way through the role of a cranky detective; other familiar faces include sexy ladies Mitzi Kapture ('Silk Stockings') and Colleen Camp ("Clue"), Patrika Darbo ("Hatchet"), Marc McClure (Jimmy Olsen from the Christopher Reeve "Superman" series), Teddy Wilson ("Life Stinks"), and Stuart Pankin ("Arachnophobia"). Christopher Youngs' score is a little unusual and amusing. Production design by Michael Bolton is also noteworthy.Even with its faults, this may have the makings of a cult favourite for some tastes.Four out of 10.

well the movie doesn't start as strong as one might think with this all-star line up, but really picks up after the fantasy scene where the Vagrant is humping Bill paxton's wife, this is the turning point of the movie where you don't know who to trust and where to turn for the next exciting scene. Just remember, you never know who the vagrant really is, dood.This movie is what blew Paxton up to be in movies like Trespass, he puts on a heartfelt performance, even though he sleeps with 400 lbs. trailer park woman, he saves face by doing it while he is handcuffed, so its not really his fault. I gave this movie 9 stars because of the riveting plot and super cast.

The Vagrant tells the story of Graham Krackowski (the always magnificent Paxton), who moves into his new home only to be terrorized by an unruly homeless vagrant that lives across the street in an abandon lot. That's it, but that is all this film needs because Paxton, director Chris Wallas, and the rest of the cast turn a simple plot into a memorable laugh-scare fest. And like most film buffs would agree, finding the right mix of horror and comedy is not easy to do, and even when it is done, it's hardly ever done right. Not in this case however...A subplot deals with Paxton up for a promotion at his suit-wearing executive job, as well as his girlfriend flying into town for a visit. With just the right amount of time spent on each to add to the story, the focus remains however on Paxton and his unwanted guest.What begins as simply an inconvenience to him, escalates into an all out war of head games, wit, and eventually murder, with Paxton losing his girl, his job, and untimately his mind in the process. But what makes the story truly compelling, is that the audience is left in limbo throughout most of the film as to if all the happenings are indeed caused by the vagrant or by Paxton himself?Now I'm not one to spoil a good whodunit, so I will leave that rock unturned for those who haven't had the privilege of seeing this little charmer. Because when it is all said and done, the ending has more than a few surprises.So don't be left out in the cold like our antagonist, and rent this wacky masterpiece before its too late. And remember, if you ever find a book on the toilet of the house you are looking to purchase, think twice...

Funny, I've seen this movie again, and again. The listing here, doesnt even bother to mention it being a comedy. (I dont mean that in a bad or sarcastic sence!)It's not a horror spoof. It's just funny horror! But, then in my opinion Bill Paxton has shown clear comic sign's sence, 'Weird Science', anyway! (See him also in 'True Lies'!) This movie gave him that same chance! It was different, unerving at time's. And just plain fun!P.S. Oh, and when the credit's are rolling, it will be obvious that this is a movie that Mel Brooks produced!