We should already be weary of accepting rides from strangers. But when that stranger is an unhinged, truck driving, murderer, we should probably avoid hitch-hiking all together.
David Arquette (Scream) stars in the latest Lifetime drama, “Happy Face Killer.” The film is based on the true story of Keith Jesperson, a Canadian serial killer who drew smiley faces on his victims. Jesperson had a troubled childhood. He was abused mentally and physically by his father, and tormented by other children. At a very young age he began torturing and killing animals. He married at age 20, and fathered three kids. It was after his divorce 14 years later that Jesperson began to unravel. Once he was denied his dream job as a Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman, he snapped and began to release his frustration on the helpless women he would pick up.
Lifetime once again takes a twisted and sick true story, and turns it into an amusing guilty pleasure. This enjoyment is due greatly to Arquette’s unsettling portrayal as the deranged Keith Jesperson. After some knowledge of his background and a quick set up for the film, the story moves rapidly into his multiple killings. The audience is shown how Jesperson rapes, beats, and strangles the women to death. We also see how the authorities dealt with the psychotic killer that taunted them by sending letters signed with a happy face.
The head detective on the case, Melinda Gand, was played adequately by Gloria Reuben (Lincoln ). Lifetime films in general tend to have a weak supporting cast; made up for by strong leads. However, in this case, Reuben’s performance lacked emotion and energy, providing only one facial expression throughout the entire film. Luckily, Arquette’s switch from loving dad to enraged truck driver was delivered well enough to distract audiences from noticing any lack of talent from the other actors.
In comparison to other Lifetime true stories, “Happy Face Killer” does not drag. This movie will keep you intrigued and dying to know what will set the killer off next. Set your DVR’s and make sure the kiddos are in bed before watching this exciting and disturbing thriller.
“Happy Face Killer” premieres Saturday, March 1 on Lifetime, at 8pm ET /PT.
Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com
Ortiz might want to focus more on his screenwriting skills versus his directing and acting. He proved he could deliver lines quickly, but failed to have any meaning behind them. As far as camera work goes, I’ve seen better filming from my past production classes. The beginning had some awkward out-of-focus shots, and the movie had too many unnecessary scenes. I’m not sure who was in charge of audio, but the sound was all over the place. At times, it was as if the characters had been mute or maybe they were just mumbling; I’m not really sure.