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If Looks Could Kill

If Looks Could Kill

Action · Comedy · 1991

Michael Corben, along with the rest of his high-school French class, sets out for a trip to France when he is mistaken for an agent of the same name. He is beseiged by both the good guys and the bad guys. British Intelligence outfits him with a series of James-Bond-like gizmos, and Steranko sends more would-be assassins after him. Can Michael stop the evil Steranko's plans for European domination?

Movie details

If Looks Could Kill

“He's having the adventure of someone else's life.”

1991 Action · Comedy 1h 28m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

6.1 / 10

Community rating

Michael Corben, along with the rest of his high-school French class, sets out for a trip to France when he is mistaken for an agent of the same name. He is beseiged by both the good guys and the bad guys. British Intelligence outfits him with a series of James-Bond-like gizmos, and Steranko sends more would-be assassins after him. Can Michael stop the evil Steranko's plans for European domination?

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over If Looks Could Kill?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

Nearby on the taste map.

TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

William Dear

Written by

Darren Star · Fred Dekker

Richard Grieco

Richard Grieco

Michael Corben

Gabrielle Anwar

Gabrielle Anwar

Mariska

Roger Rees

Roger Rees

Augustus Steranko

Linda Hunt

Linda Hunt

Ilsa Grunt

Robin Bartlett

Robin Bartlett

Patricia Grober

Carole Davis

Carole Davis

Areola Canasta

Geraldine James

Geraldine James

Vendetta Galante

Court is in session

Put If Looks Could Kill on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Adrenaline Seeker

“Momentum is a formal choice.”

The velocity sharpens instinct and tension, making every beat land before self-importance can settle in.

The prosecution The Auteur Devotee

“Speed as an alibi.”

The film races past its weak spots and hopes acceleration will keep the audience from inspecting the evidence.