"Red Letters" happens to be one of the must see movies I have to watch. A great cast of characters goes along with the plot, and it's very suspenseful as well. Peter Coyote did a spectacular job playing the reluctantly helpful Professor Dennis Burke, and Fairuza Balk looked good as student Gretchen Van Buren. Nastassja Kinski is the hot and sexy convict Lydia Davis, who's desperate need of being cleared of a crime. I think the four pictures of the photo booth was rather kinky. Lydia(Kinski) taking off her sweater. The question is what resulted of her state, Bra? or Braless? Who knows? The one scene where Lydia runs into Gretchen, and changes clothes with each other. That was strange. However, noticing Dennis' odd behavior gets him kicked out of school, but somehow it was worth it because of his conscience of finding the truth about Lydia's innocence. The movie was great, it has plenty to go on, and it's a big keeper in the video library. Rating 4 out of 5 stars.

It is easy to criticize this movie and others have already pointed out its deficiencies. The movie is available on DVD and has director's commentary in which is revealed that the movie was shot in 21 days on a minimal budget. Or as the commentary says: this commentary details how one goes about making a movie under considerable time and budgetary restraints. The performances by the actors are first rate. The script is filled with many logical flaws and oversights that are exacerbated by the ending of the movie. Meaning, that one can then work backwards and see the major holes in the script because the ending seems to sabotage the entire theme of the movie. Still it is more than watchable because of what is up on the screen. Nastassja is Nastassja and it is almost always rewarding to watch her on the screen, if she has sufficient material to work her magic. There is an underlying tension throughout the movie in which one wonders if Lydia Davis, the Nastassja Kinski character, is manipulating the academic and overmatched Peter Coyote character. You will have to watch the movie and see for yourself.

OK,I make alot comments about Kinski movies,but everyone has their favorite artists. This movie is just fun from start to finish. And it does keep you on the edge of your seat. There doesn't seem to be a wasted moment in this movie; every scene is there for a reason. Just good film making and good acting all around. I think the title would make more sense if the prof's book had been explained in greater detail.

What a great cast and what a pathetic attempt at a film. The script is full of holes from beginning to end. Incoherent, not cohesive...utterly ridiculous. One of the most talented/beautiful actresses in the world (and I'm talking about Nastassja Kinski) is without a single memorable line here. Worse, she supposedly dyes her hair halfway thru the movie, but it's obvious she's just wearing a cheap black wig bought from a drag queen costume shop. The best moments are given to a character actor and his dog in the apartment building that lead actor Peter Coyote lives in. Fairuza Balk is photographed poorly, to boot. She looks like an overweight freshman who's pigged out at too many all-you-can-eat-student-cafeteria-buffets. I was so looking forward to this film. I WANTED to like it, but I think I'd rather watch Nastassja read the phone book, with her OWN hair.