This film noir update needed a jolt of energy to really come alive. A Kiss Before Dying, directed by James Dearden, is a reimagining of the 1956 movie and features a screenplay adapted from Ira Levin’s novel. The cast includes Sean Young, Matt Dillon, Max von Sydow, Dianne Ladd, and James Russo; Howard Shore composed the music and Mike Southon handled the cinematography. The narrative centers on Dillon portraying a young man grappling with issues who kills his pregnant girlfriend (played by Young) before turning his attention to her twin sister (also played by Young), leading to disturbing actions. While it manages to be an average thriller, even though the plot and what drives the characters are engaging enough to maintain interest until the end, the resolution feels hurried and disappointing. Accounts of negative reactions from early test screenings, Golden Raspberry nominations, and stories about revisions and additional filming suggest this noir revival is flawed. The parallels with Hitchcock's Vertigo are obvious and don’t feel like a respectful nod; furthermore, director Dearden attempts to incorporate some of Hitchcock's dark humor, but the results fall flat. With Young delivering what can only be described as a poor performance, the thriller elements struggle to regain any dramatic significance. Dearden demonstrates skill with the camera work, and Southon’s color lenses create an unsettling atmosphere that acknowledges Levin’s original story; however, it's difficult to wholeheartedly suggest this film to noir enthusiasts, and the 1956 version remains a better choice, despite its own shortcomings. It earns a rating of 5/10.

Source on TMDB