There is nothing in the dark that isn't there in the light. Except fear.

Starring: Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange, Juliette Lewis, Joe Don Baker, Robert Mitchum, Gregory Peck, Martin Balsam, Illeana Douglas, Fred Thompson

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"It's not necessary to lay a foul tongue on me my friend. I could get upset. Things could get out of hand. Then in self defense, I could do something to you that you would not like, right here." - Max Cady

Why watch this? A great director and talented actors make this remake a good stylish thriller.

Plot Summary: A newly released, bible-quoting convict with a grudge begins a relentless psychological and physical torment of his former defense attorney and his family. The convict stalks the lawyer and his wife and daughter, using his newfound legal knowledge to stay just within the law while escalating his harassment. As his actions become more menacing, the desperate attorney is forced to confront the unhinged man by abandoning legal methods and taking matters into his own hands.

Dad's Preview: I saw this before the film that inspired it, Cape Fear (1962), and Scorsese's effort certainly captures the devious insanity of the film's antagonist, Max Cady, portrayed by Robert De Niro. As a buffed up, tattooed ex-con, he truly is menacing, and steals every scene. Nolte and Lange are good as well, but Juliette Lewis really shines as their family teen daughter. Unlike the original, she leans into the Cady character, even to the point of sexually toying with him. This and De Niro's over-the-top performance kind of lessen the film. However, it will make you squirm as it enfolds, a perilous journey heading towards the fated houseboat on Cape Fear River...  

Amblin Entertainment, Cappa Films, Tribeca Prod.; Universal Pictures