Pseudo Review: The Flock

The Flock stars Richard Gere as Errol Babbage. Babbage works for the Department of Public Safety and is tasked with keeping tabs on registered sex offenders (which is only slightly worse than my job). After a teenage girl goes missing, he becomes convinced one of his “flock” is responsible and becomes obsessed with finding out whom.

Here’s a DVD I never would’ve glanced at (let alone rented) had it not been for all the good things I read on the internet. Ahhh the internet, not just for porn… but, you know, mainly for porn. Anyhoo, The Flock occasionally cribs from SE7EN and Silence of the Lambs, but for the most part this an original and engaging thriller. Gere is good as the obsessed Babbage. Claire Danes is also good as Babbage’s eventual replacement that he must train in the ways of the Jedi… and by Jedi I mean people that have to keep an eye on perverts.

Considering the subject matter, this should’ve been a much darker and more disturbing movie, so I kind of wish the filmmakers hadn’t played it so safe. Also, the climax goes on a little too long and you’ll really wonder why no one ever thinks to call 911. With all that being said, however, the interesting premise and solid performances make up for the film’s short comings.

The Flock is a more than serviceable thriller that deserves to be viewed, so I’m glad people seem to be discovering it on video. I geuss Blockbuster is good for something after all. Not good for porn mind you, but still good for something.