The Conglomerate

Issue date: 10/30/09 Section: Movie Reviews

"The Stepfather" is what happens when a middle-aged woman with responsibilities craves adult companionship so bad that she will accept anyone. In the case of Susan (Sela Ward) she becomes engaged to and lives with David Harris (Dylan Walsh) despite having three children and knowing nothing about David. Susan's oldest son, Michael (Penn Badgley), is suspicious of David. And he should be.

Dylan Walsh steps away from his role as "Nip/Tuck's" Sean McNamara to portray David Harris, a psychopathic stepdad who is first seen in "The Stepfather" changing his appearance and eating breakfast as he walks through a house where a mother and two children lay murdered. When David meets Susan he plays the role of coy, shy, uninterested guy and Susan quickly and easily falls for him.

Six months later Susan and David are engaged, and David is meeting Michael who has been away at military school. Michael quickly concludes that David is not the perfect man he portrays but does not have anything to go on until a neighbor informs Susan that a wanted murderer looks like David. This neighbor later "falls down the stairs," resulting in her death. Michael and his girlfriend Kelly (Amber Heard) try to find out the truth about David.

"The Stepfather" shows death scenes. David makes an effort to eliminate everyone who questions his past. It is obvious that he has changed identities previously when, after Susan walks in on him rambling to himself, he calls himself the wrong name before asking, "Who am I here?"

"The Stepfather" is an attention holder from beginning to end. It is believable and enjoyable. It also opens the door for a sequel. I recommend it for those who enjoy a well-crafted movie with a little craziness thrown in for good measure.

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