Is Programmed to Kill Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1987)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Programmed to Kill (1987), audiences are invited back into the world of Horror, Action, Science Fiction. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "A middle eastern female terrorist is captured by the CIA in Greece, after an attack on a marketplace. Transported back to the USA, the terrorist undergoes an operation where she is transformed into a cybernetic killing machine. Now the CIA have a secret weapon to send back to the Middle East, but how long can they control her?"

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Unfortunately, Robert Ginty feels underutilized in a role that lacks depth. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Horror. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Programmed to Kill worth your time? If you appreciate Horror, Action, Science Fiction films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Programmed to Kill misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 91 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.