Is Up Against Amanda Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2000)

📖 The Core Premise

Up Against Amanda returns to the screen in 2000, bringing a fresh narrative to the Thriller, Drama genre. 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. "After childhood abuse by her step-father and eight years in a juvenile psychiatric lockup, Amanda Lear is released. Her shrink is also her lover, who surreptitiously pays her rent on a nice house for a year. She moves in, takes one look at her neighbor Richard, and dispatches her doctor. To cover her tracks and to begin her seduction, she gets Richard's help with a security system. Soon she's bugging his calls and spying on him with hidden cameras, taking advantage of a rift between Richard and his wife who's in Nashville cutting a record. Amanda will stop at nothing to get Richard's exclusive attention. Will this good neighbor wise up before the hot tub overheats?"

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Justine Priestley attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Thriller. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Up Against Amanda worth your time? If you appreciate Thriller, Drama 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, Up Against Amanda misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 102 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.