Little known, and quite compelling, mix of supernatural magic, deception and poltical intrigue finally gets a decent release from Elite Entertainment and it's a steadily made, solidly acted and watchable time.

After one of his colleges goes missing senator David Hemmings finds his life quite busy when he may be appointed to a new position. Into his life, and the lives of his wife (with whom his relationship is nothing but stale) and his leukemic son, comes a charming and mysterious magician (played well by Robert Powell). Soon things start to happen as the son is miraculously cured, the wife falls for the spellcaster and Hemmings becomes suspicious. Along the way there's even more odd goings on and plot twists.

While more of a fantasy-thriller than a horror movie this does have a mildly suspenseful vibe to it and the script by Everett De Roche is certainly different as there's not too many movies willing to mix magic and politics (apparently this is inspired by the legend of Rasputin); plus there's enough memorable moments and alright twists in the finale to keep you interested.

Sure, sometimes you have to question why people are so accepting of Powell's actions at times (the bodyguards shrug off him dangling the son off the edge of a cliff and don't get creeped out by another moment involving a car) - but those are just minor gripes about this obscure, and recommended, little gem.

Originally titled, Harlequin, which I assume was dropped to avoid confusion with the sleazy romance novel brand of the same name.

Visit Elite Entertainment to order. (Chris Hartley, 6/8/04)

Directed By: Simon Wincer.
Written By: Everett De Roche.

Starring: Robert Powell, David Hemmings, Carmen Duncan, Gus Mercurio.

aka: Harlequin.

Picture Ratio: 2.35:1 Widescreen.

Picture Quality: This looks a bit soft at times and there's some shimmering during the party scene but overall it's a solid transfer with minimal grain and good clarity.

Extras: It's an alright batch of extras here with a large photo gallery, filmographies, a trailer (plus trailers for the other Image releases Syngenor, Strange Behavior, Thirst and Patrick) and a quite listenable commentary track with director Wincer and producer Anthony I. Ginnane.