Watch Fatal Instinct

In the classic thriller-comedy movie Fatal Instinct from 1993, Armand Assante plays Ned Ravine, a successful lighthouse lawyer who has taught himself the art of seduction to the point that he has trouble unwinding the web he has twisted around himself. His latest case involved a well-known high-profile gangster named David Lake (played by Sean Hobbs), who is facing murder charges. Ravine is confident he can win the case, but his private life is starting to come apart at the seams. His wife Lana (Kate Nelligan) is cheating on him, and his mistress Laura (Sherilyn Fenn) is starting to get too clingy for his liking.

Ravine soon finds himself embroiled in a tangled web of murder and deceit, as he attempts to sort out who is responsible for a string of murders happening around town. At the center of it all is Lola Cain (Fenn), a femme fatale who seems to be pulling all the strings. Ravine's investigation leads him all over town, encountering numerous eccentric characters along the way, including a key witness who communicates only through puppetry.

As the mystery unfolds, Ravine becomes increasingly paranoid and suspicious of those around him, including his own wife and his partner Max Shady (played by Christopher McDonald). However, he also finds himself irresistibly drawn to Lola, despite knowing that she is up to no good.

The film is a loving parody of classic film noir thrillers, with all the usual tropes and clichés turned on their head. The dialogue crackles with witty one-liners and wordplay, and the performances are all top-notch. Assante is particularly entertaining as the beleaguered lawyer with a perpetual five o'clock shadow and a burgeoning drinking problem, while Fenn oozes sex appeal as the deadly Lola.

The film's humor is sometimes broad and silly, with a few jokes that may be considered offensive today. But overall, it's a clever and enjoyable send-up of the genre, and one that keeps you guessing until the final twist.

The movie was directed by Carl Reiner, who was no stranger to the world of comedies having worked with Mel Brooks on some of his most iconic films. Reiner's direction is lavishly stylized, with deep shadows and dramatic camera angles creating a moody atmosphere. The film also features a memorable score by composer Marc Shaiman, who imbues the proceedings with a sense of dark irony.

In conclusion, Fatal Instinct is a must-see for fans of film noir and courtroom dramas. It skewers the genre with a deft touch, while still managing to be an engaging and entertaining story in its own right. With a talented cast, sharp writing, and stylish direction, it's a film that holds up surprisingly well nearly 30 years later. Whether you're looking for a good laugh or a mystery to solve, Fatal Instinct is the perfect choice.

Fatal Instinct is a 1993 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7 and a MetaScore of 33.