It is time once again, for us at Terribly Fun to continue our annual look at the entire filmography of Casper Van Dien. The rules are simple, he must have a named, semi-big speaking role; IE- if he played the waiter in X movie, and asked if the leads were ready to order, and that was the entirety of his role, it does not count. Also, anything that is officially listed as uncredited, will also not be included. So, now let us look at his first lead (ish) film credit, as we kick off the second annual Casper Van Dien-athon!

 

Casper Van Dien’s first starring role was in an ensemble piece, alongside Denise Richards*. Why no, I am not talking about “Starship Troopers”; I already reviewed that, and its sequels. “Kill Shot” was intended to kick off a whole series, under the original title “P.C.H.” Research reveals little about the movie, but I guess the numbers weren’t good enough to justify a whole series. So, were TV viewers right to stay away? Or did they miss something very unique and interesting?

*Denise Richards has maybe, ten minutes of screentime.

The plot probably has one too many threads going on-

At Pacific Coast University, multiple students, all living in the same condos, intersect each other, all while negotiating their own trials. Stacey (Jacqueline Collen) was an aspiring volleyball star and model, recently transferred to PCU, due to a dark past, that is catching up to her. Serena’s (Catherine Lazo) pre-med scholarship is not being renewed, due to lack of funds. She is also tutoring Randy (Casper Van Dien), who is trying to find himself and set himself apart from his self-centered, rich dad. Meanwhile new roommates Joe (Mushond Lee), who is afraid of coming out to his dad, and Polly (Ria Pavia), who just wants a roommate she can get along with, are getting to know each other.
 

Only a few of the plots are resolved, but there’s enough of a conclusion to feel complete. Writer Gianni Russo allows all the characters their moments to shine, and each piece is given equal weight. But the dialogue is often hokey and artificial, when it’s not bogged down in exposition. The plots, and how they intersect, remain interesting, even when they are predictable.

Director Nelson McCormick has steadily been working in film and TV for twenty some odd years, and this was only his second credit. As such, it feels like every dramatic made-for-TV movie ever. Simple camera setups, basic lighting, perfunctory editing, but none of it is poorly done, just average. This means the movie doesn’t get in its own way, but it also means there is nothing, technically speaking, that makes it stand out from any other mid-90s “90210” knockoff.

So, is there anything that is really good here? Yes, there are two exemplary things- a character that is’t mentioned the plot synopsis. Jake Mondello, as played by Gianni Russo, is very captivating, and not the sort of sleazy bar owner you’d expect. He is the owner of the condos all the students are living in, and the adjacent bar. He is also the sponsor of the charity volleyball tournament, which a majority of our leads are involved in. His big heart, and genuine concern for the kids is sweet and effective.

As played by Russo, he never feels false, or like a deus ex machina. Which brings us to the other very good thing here- the acting. Jacqueline Collen is good, and her fear of the stalker is well realized. Catherine Lazo gives the second best performance in the movie, with the medical jargon sounding believable, and she has good chemistry with Van Dien. Mushond Lee is solid and fun. Ria Pavia is freaking hilarious here. Her crazed verbal battles, and unintentional speaking before thinking is amusing, and she gets the timing very well. Even those in smaller roles, Ernie Reyes Jr., Denise Richards, and Jack Scalia (“Tequila And Bonetti”!) do satisfactory work during their short screentime.

 

Casper Van Dien, for his part, is perfectly fine. It is not a bad performance at all- you just see him and can tell there is something there- and in certain scenes, especially with Elliott Gould, he is quite good. But, he plays the role a bit too arrogantly. Odd complaint, I know, but his arc involves how he only feels like a whole person around his romantic interest, and he’s not sure who he is or what he wants out of life, and he is drifting. Maybe it is his sheer charisma, but he seems quite self assured, which doesn’t fit with this insecure arc.

 

While the failed pilot nature of the movie is very clear, so not all the threads are tied up, and it feels like a cash-in to popular shows at the time, the character of Jake is cool enough to warrant a watch all by himself. Plus, you’ll get above average acting from young stars, just before they made it big. So if you are a big fan of them, or want a slice of hardcore 1990s, this is fun.