Showing on Film4 Thursday 8th Feb at 9pm is ‘Domestic Disturbance’ a great little film starring John Travolta and Vince Vaughn.
The film revolves around Frank Morrison’s (John Travolta) broken down family as we learn that he is separated from his wife Susan (Teri Polo) and that she plans to re marry wealthy businessman Rick Barnes (Vince Vaughn).
Desperately trying to move on with his life Frank genuinely tries to be happy for his ex wife but when their attention seeking young son Danny claims he has witnessed his stepfather killing a man Frank finds himself unable to stop digging until he finds out the truth about Rick and his shady past.
Facing an uphill battle in trying to prove his son is telling the truth for once, Frank begins to find himself in dangerous terrain and must work fast to keep his family out of harms way.
Although this film isn’t a big blockbuster and doesn’t boast the huge action sequences you would expect from a John Travolta film these days I can’t help but think that it received a rather overly frosty reception when it was first released back in 2001.
Sure, the film does tend to have a ‘Made for TV’ type atmosphere at times but let’s not forget that given its cast and interesting plotline it was a pretty good effort from everyone involved in putting this film together.
Vince Vaughn is fantastic in this film and it is refreshing to see him playing a serious and menacing role rather than the comedic characters we are used to seeing him portray over the last few years of his career. He delivers a believable and realistic performance as Rick Barnes and I can honestly say he was perfect for this role.
Travolta on the other hand was slightly disappointing as Frank, the desperate father trying to clear his son’s name and keep his family safe. I feel that he could have given his character more depth and given him that extra bit of fighting spirit that you are waiting to see him show through out the film.
There is a brief but brilliant appearance from Steve Buscemi as the short lived character ‘Ray’ and as usual fans of the cult actor won’t be disappointed with what he brings to the table.
All in all, Domestic Disturbance is a tense thriller that is definitely worth taking the time to watch.
Full cast list for the film Domestic Disturbance: Aaron Fiore, Angelica Torn, Benton Hill Jr., Betsy Jordan, Brad Lloyd, Brad Merritt, Bridgetta Tomarchio, Charles E. Bailey, Chris Ellis, Darryl Warren, David Bridgewater, David Schifter, Debra Mooney, Dianna Catterton, George Christy, Holmes Osborne, James Lashly, Jim Meskimen, John Travolta, Lee Venters, Leland L. Jones, Leroy Harper, Marc Siegel, Matt O’Leary, Michael Tomlinson, Nick Loren, Patt Noday, Paul Ligotino, Rebecca Tilney, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Ryan Sweeney, Sara Graves, Steve Buscemi, Steve Roberts, Susan Floyd, Suzanne Nystrom, Tait Ruppert, Teri Polo, Terry Loughlin, Ty Sears, Vince Beard, Vince Stout, Vince Vaughn, Vipin Patel, William Parry, Zach Hanner.