The job of the director is to pull a performance out of an actor. This director couldn't pull a tab off a can of Dr. Pepper! Maybe the director was having a bad year?! All of the performance were lousy ... which basically shows you that some of our favorite actors aren't as talented as we thought we were. Stephanie Zimbalist basically played a character somewhat reminiscent of Valerie Harper, in voice only. She looked horrible with freckled and blotchy skin. Get with it people ... we don't want to see her looking bad, takes all the fun out of watching her. Dennis Hopper was his usual boring self ... just kidding! Dennis is Dennis ... nothing more, nothing less. Just an average actor. Joe Penny ... what a let down! The man was two legs short of a roasted boar ... a total disaster area! Do we really want our hero types playing villains? I think not! Basically, the movie is a flop ... and somewhat boring. Nothing new ... old dialogues, and old plots! Oh ... and Sandra Locke ... guess she's only good in a Clint Eastwood movie, because she stunk worse than anyone else! Over-acting, with no sincerity what-so-ever.

The plot of this movie sounded fairly interesting so I tried it. All I can say is, 'don't waste your time.' The plot was poorly explained. The cinematography was amateurish. The acting was bad.We have become used to seeing so much better that it is jarring to see a movie done this badly. This movie was truly awful.

I saw the DVD version of this mystery/thriller. I must say that Dennis Hopper and Stefanie Zimbalist are highlights of the movie but it kind of ends with their performances. Hopper shows he can act with his face and develop the unsaid script. Zimbalist is a revelation as she portrays an aging, slightly dumpy vice cop who has about had it. Remembering her TV work I gained respect for her acting and personal strength in avoiding face lifts et al. The movie is a bit formula although it has its moments. I cannot determine if the director feels the audience remembers "Psycho" or has forgotten it, but there are references. Many scenes are too long and others, especially the finale and tie in explanations, too short. People who like the serial killer genre with game playing and shock effects will probably like it. It is nice to see Michael Dorn without his Star Trek makeup but his part is much too small. How much mystery can there be when you are almost through the movie and Sandra Locke has not shown up yet? The DVD is full screen, sharp, but a little grainy on my system and DTS sound is an option. Overall a disappointment but Hopper and Zimbalist are worth every penny of rental money.

Dennis Hopper plays Vincent Swann, a retired detective with a personal vendetta, to perfection in this movie. As the retired detective whose daughter was killed by a mass murderer, when the tell-tale killings start again, he starts to wonder if he got the right man. Famous people are randomly murdered and body parts taken. The players of the Prophet's Game decide who lives or dies.Although the movie is a little slow, there is enough intrigue to keep you hanging on to the last minute. The movie is directed very well, with a good supporting cast. (Michael Dorn's distinctive voice is used to good effect as the Police Commissioner.)As the players start disappearing, and Vincent is taunted, the winner of the Prophet's Game is always the Prophet...