FATAL INSTINCT is a side-split-tingly funny spoof of film noir dramas, in the AIRPLANE/NAKED GUN mode that offers affectionate winks at films like FATAL ATTRACTION, BASIC INSTINCT, THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE, and CAPE FEAR, offering consistent laughs thanks, in part, to the self- assured direction of comedy icon Carl Reiner. Reiner smartly chose to cast strong actors instead of pure comics whose uncanny ability to play the funny material with completely straight faces is what makes the film so funny. Armand Assante is surprisingly funny as Ned Ravine, a cop and a lawyer who is being cheated on by a scheming wife (Kate Nelligan), being pursued by a sexy client (Sean Young)and being loved from afar by his faithful secretary (Sherilyn Fenn). There are also funny turns from Christopheer McDonald as Nelligan's dim-witted lover, James Remar, in a perfect take off of Max Cady from CAPE FEAR, and Tony Randall as a judge. The gags come fast and furious and most of them work, there's even a very funny cameo by Bob Euker, as a color commentator for a trial. Just sit back, relax, don't think about it too much and there's a lot of fun to be had here.

FATAL INSTINCT is a side-split-tingly funny spoof of film noir dramas, in the AIRPLANE/NAKED GUN mode that offers affectionate winks at films like FATAL ATTRACTION, BASIC INSTINCT, THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE, and CAPE FEAR, offering consistent laughs thanks, in part, to the self-assured direction of comedy icon Carl Reiner. Reiner smartly chose to cast strong actors instead of pure comics whose uncanny ability to play the funny material with completely straight faces is what makes the film so funny. Armand Assante is surprisingly funny as Ned Ravine, a cop and a lawyer who is being cheated on by a scheming wife (Kate Nelligan), being pursued by a sexy client (Sean Young)and being loved from afar by his faithful secretary (Sherilyn Fenn). There are also funny turns from Christopheer McDonald as Nelligan's dim-witted lover, James Remar, in a perfect take off of Max Cady from CAPE FEAR, and Tony Randall as a judge. The gags come fast and furious and most of them work, there's even a very funny cameo by Bob Euker, as a color commentator for a trial. Just sit back, relax, don't think about it too much and there's a lot of fun to be had here.

This is Happy Gilmore awful! A sure sign I need to upgrade my cable (which, incidentally, I called to do today). I got bored of infomercials while grading student papers and surfed to this. I knew Assante from his Mike Hammer made-for-TV movie from the 80s, so I stopped. The plot seemed familiar and the gags were kind of funny, so I stuck around. Holy cheese-wiz, what a great way to spend a rainy Sunday! Sexy women, evil bad-guys and inept good-guys who'd make Frank Drebbin himself raise an eyebrow! Ned is a cop/lawyer (does Law & Order know about this concept?) who lost a major case 7 years ago. The defendant is getting released and vows his revenge. Viewers will recognize James Remar as the villain Albert Ganz from 48 hours. CLASSIC casting! Completing the certification of Happy Gilmore awful, Christopher McDonald also plays a major role. Man... just watch it. If you like cheesy spoofs, this is THE BOMB!!!

The movie `Fatal Instinct,' is a campy film noir (color) comedy that parodies famous film noir pictures from the past fifty years. A rich mixture of rapid corny one liners gives `Fatal Instinct,' an `Airplane!' or `Naked Gun' feel yet funnier. This film is an evolutionary step up from Reiner's past film `Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid' which was a black and white film noir comedy.The Players: (Some spoilers ahead)Armand Assante plays Ned, a married obtuse cop/lawyer who has no children and at the rate he is going, never will. Sean Young plays Lola Cain, the ice pick wielding femme fatal trying to aggressively seduce Ned.Kate Nelligan plays the conniving red headed unfaithful two-timing (three-timing) wife who makes`Stanwyck' look virginal. Along for the `ride' is her dense cuckolding sidekick, Frankie, who helps her play Ned like a song over and over.Sherilyn Fenn Plays Laura, an overly attentive secretary and good woman who secretly loves Ned but will wait till Ned figures that out . . . doubtful. Mix these characters together and let the jokes fly. This is one of those films that you will either enjoy the wit or stare in disbelief wondering what's this all about? I have enjoyed this movie several times and each time I pick up a few more jokes. I would give `Fatal Instinct' a 6.9/10 for style, cheese, and creativity.