Rating: 
Summary: Check -- mate?
Review: A children's chess tournament. Two boys facing each other in the final game, intently staring at each other and the chess board between them. They make their moves and register their time. Ultimately, one of them has to concede defeat. Facing "check" twice and almost out of time, he topples his king. And assaults his adversary. A doctor recommends that he not ever be allowed near a chess board while he is treated for his "condition."Years later, another chess tournament. Grand master Peter Sanderson (Christopher Lambert) is in attendance, making a surprise return after three years' retirement. He easily wins the first rounds. After dinner with daughter Erica (whose only parent he is) and a strategy session with his advisor, Sanderson concludes the evening with a few steamy hours with a sensuous blonde ... and the psychopath who will soon hold the community in thrall has found his first target. When the woman is found murdered, gruesomely dressed up in death and the word "Remember" written on the wall above her in blood, Sanderson initially denies having been with her. This, and his arrogant demeanor towards the policemen investigating the crime - particularly, Detective Andy Wagner (Daniel Baldwin) - makes him an instant suspect. But is Sanderson the psychopath? Or is he, as appearances would have it, the psychopath's true target? In a grisly game of strategy in which a city is turned into a chess board and women living in the target areas of town (attractive blondes all of them) are the chess pieces, Sanderson and the police hunt a serial killer who always seems to be one step ahead of them. While Detective Wagner never loses his suspicion of Sanderson, his newly minted boss, Captain Frank Sedman (Tom Skerritt) reluctantly comes to the conclusion that since the clues provided by the killer are based on chess references and directed to none other than Sanderson himself, they will not be able to solve the case without his help. Yet, for a long time the grand master, too, seems unable to decipher the killer's clues, and the meaning of the words written above the dead body of each of his victims. - How many women will have to die before his identity is revealed? Will he ever be caught? Will psychologist Kathy Sheppard (Diane Lane), brought in by the police to determine if Sanderson himself fits their suspect's profile, end up as one of his victims? "Knight Moves" is a suspenseful thriller, intelligently built on the patterns of the royal game of strategy itself, and in which the audience is kept on their toes until the very end. Christopher Lambert in particular is believable as the astute, arrogant Sanderson, who hides his personal fears and insecurities under a mask of unapproachability which only one person seems to be able to pierce - his daughter Erica. His face-offs with Daniel Baldwin alias Detective Wagner, sarcastic and spewing barely controlled rage at each other, are among the highlights of the movie; in addition, of course, to the mind game itself which the killer plays with his hunters and, by extension, with the audience. While it is clear that the solution has to have something to do with the fateful game played by those two boys so long ago, all elements of the story are only connected up in the final scenes ... which are, however, unfortunately somewhat overplayed and emphasize gore more than psychology and hence, are a bit of a let-down. This, and the relationship soon forming between Sanderson and Sheppard, which doesn't entirely work for me (strangely enough, since Lambert and Lane were married at the time) are the only detractors I find in this movie. Overall, however, "Knight Moves" would have deserved much more attention than it has received since its 1992 cinematic release.
Rating:
Summary: Check -- mate?
Review: A children's chess tournament. Two boys facing each other in the final game, intently staring at each other and the chess board between them. They make their moves and register their time. Ultimately, one of them has to concede defeat. Facing "check" twice and almost out of time, he topples his king. And assaults his adversary. A doctor recommends that he not ever be allowed near a chess board while he is treated for his "condition." Years later, another chess tournament. Grand master Peter Sanderson (Christopher Lambert) is in attendance, making a surprise return after three years' retirement. He easily wins the first rounds. After dinner with daughter Erica (whose only parent he is) and a strategy session with his advisor, Sanderson concludes the evening with a few steamy hours with a sensuous blonde ... and the psychopath who will soon hold the community in thrall has found his first target. When the woman is found murdered, gruesomely dressed up in death and the word "Remember" written on the wall above her in blood, Sanderson initially denies having been with her. This, and his arrogant demeanor towards the policemen investigating the crime - particularly, Detective Andy Wagner (Daniel Baldwin) - makes him an instant suspect. But is Sanderson the psychopath? Or is he, as appearances would have it, the psychopath's true target? In a grisly game of strategy in which a city is turned into a chess board and women living in the target areas of town (attractive blondes all of them) are the chess pieces, Sanderson and the police hunt a serial killer who always seems to be one step ahead of them. While Detective Wagner never loses his suspicion of Sanderson, his newly minted boss, Captain Frank Sedman (Tom Skerritt) reluctantly comes to the conclusion that since the clues provided by the killer are based on chess references and directed to none other than Sanderson himself, they will not be able to solve the case without his help. Yet, for a long time the grand master, too, seems unable to decipher the killer's clues, and the meaning of the words written above the dead body of each of his victims. - How many women will have to die before his identity is revealed? Will he ever be caught? Will psychologist Kathy Sheppard (Diane Lane), brought in by the police to determine if Sanderson himself fits their suspect's profile, end up as one of his victims? "Knight Moves" is a suspenseful thriller, intelligently built on the patterns of the royal game of strategy itself, and in which the audience is kept on their toes until the very end. Christopher Lambert in particular is believable as the astute, arrogant Sanderson, who hides his personal fears and insecurities under a mask of unapproachability which only one person seems to be able to pierce - his daughter Erica. His face-offs with Daniel Baldwin alias Detective Wagner, sarcastic and spewing barely controlled rage at each other, are among the highlights of the movie; in addition, of course, to the mind game itself which the killer plays with his hunters and, by extension, with the audience. While it is clear that the solution has to have something to do with the fateful game played by those two boys so long ago, all elements of the story are only connected up in the final scenes ... which are, however, unfortunately somewhat overplayed and emphasize gore more than psychology and hence, are a bit of a let-down. This, and the relationship soon forming between Sanderson and Sheppard, which doesn't entirely work for me (strangely enough, since Lambert and Lane were married at the time) are the only detractors I find in this movie. Overall, however, "Knight Moves" would have deserved much more attention than it has received since its 1992 cinematic release.
Rating:
Summary: An underrated suspence thriller.
Review: Despite the lack of interest that people have displayed, Knight Moves is quite a good movie. Sure, the psychopath theme is getting a bit worn, but this time the idea has been used in a rather original fashion. The murderer is playing chess with corpses instead of pieces and is framing Christopher Lambert for it. I am not a fan of Lambert, but here he did a good job as the somewhat introvert chess-master, whose lack of openness makes him an ideal target for the frame. The supporting cast, led by Tom Selleck and Diane Lane has well worked out characters and the story moves along at a surprising pace. While not quite on the same level as Silence of the Lambs, Knight Moves will keep its audience thrilled right to the climax.
Rating:
Summary: Knight Moves
Review: Gory ritual murders ensnare chessmaster Peter Sanderson,played to perfection as a casually thoughtless,self-centered,arrogant visiting master of the game,and a less-than believable psychologist,acted as only the Queen of the B flicks,Diane Lane,could do. Lane is flat and boring,and if she had not at the time been Lambert's wife,there would have been a competent actress in this pivotal role. Once you get past her leaden reading,you will enjoy the rising tension of this fine,tight whodunit. Dan Baldwin is effective as the testy young cop,Tom Skerritt as his hardnosed,suspicious boss. It is Lambert who draws you into the strategy,cunning,and warlike atmosphere that surrounds chess:without him,the cops are unable to find their way through the psychological labyrinth that is the killer's mind. When chessmaster Peterson is drawn into a mano-a-mano with the killer,suspense rises,Hitchcock-like,as nothing is what it seems,and you are playing too. Lambert's sensual delivery is an added plus. If you are a long-standing chess player,you will be way ahead of the detectives in this film. Knight Moves is a fine antidote to senseless shopping crowds and inane plotless films.
Rating: 
Summary: Do you want nightmares?
Review: If you do, get this movie as nightmares are almost guaranteed. I saw it with some college friends about eight years ago. It took about five years until the nightmares stopped. I cannot think back on this movie with any sort of fondness. The murders are quite gruesome. The only thing that I feel was well done was how the writer seemed to get into the mind of a serial killer, but that also concerns me. My mind just does not think in that sort of mode. While I am not a great player, I like the game of chess. I feel this movie did the game and those who play a really bad stereotype. Avoid this movie. It is not worth the time or stress.
Rating:
Summary: Do you want nightmares?
Review: If you do, get this movie as nightmares are almost guaranteed. I saw it with some college friends about eight years ago. It took about five years until the nightmares stopped. I cannot think back on this movie with any sort of fondness. The murders are quite gruesome. The only thing that I feel was well done was how the writer seemed to get into the mind of a serial killer, but that also concerns me. My mind just does not think in that sort of mode. While I am not a great player, I like the game of chess. I feel this movie did the game and those who play a really bad stereotype. Avoid this movie. It is not worth the time or stress.
Rating: 
Summary: Love the movie. Hate the DVD.
Review: Quite honestly, this is one of Mr. Lambert's best films, just below Greystoke, Highlander and Fortress. Shot in Super 35 means the film has an aspect ratio of about 2:35.1 (like Star Wars). The laserdisc was the only widescreen version released but is now no longer available. To truly appreciate the film you need to see it in the widescreen (or letterboxed) format. I am hoping, whenever they get around to it, Republican Pictures will release the film on DVD so everyone can see what I'm talking about and perhaps include the trailer and that small featurette that was put on the initial Video releases (coming on right after the film had ended). As for the film itself, about a psychopathic killer who, it seems, wants to frame Peter (Lambert) for the murders of unsuspecting, beautiful women, as well as play a sick game with him in the process, Christoph (as he is known in France) keeps you interested and personally I think that's superb, considering for certain scenes he's playing chess. It's his facial expressions that keep you interested, rather than the game itself. Daniel Baldwin (John Carpenter's Vampires) stands out as the antagonistic cop who doesn't like Lambert at all and personally, it seems, would like nothing more than to see him behind bars (or dead). Diane Lane (Judge Dredd, The Perfect Storm) does an alright job playing the psychologist who is trying to figure out whether Peter is psychotic or not and the film takes some interesting twists and turns in that avenue (which propells the film instead of takeing away from it). The chemistry between them is apparent because they were married shortly before (meeting each other on an earlier film called, Priceless Beauty). Tom Skerritt (not Selleck, as a previous reviewer had indicated) plays the head of the police investigation with Baldwin as his partner. Honestly, when first viewing the film I had no idea who the killer was. That's what's great about the movie, it really does keep you guessing. At one point you think you've got it figured out and then it blows your mind and goes in a completely different direction, while still maintaining it's appeal. Knight Moves is the best chess movie(with suspense) I've ever seen. Check it out.
Rating:
Summary: Knight Moves Is One Of Lamberts Best, But Where's The DVD?
Review: Quite honestly, this is one of Mr. Lambert's best films, just below Greystoke, Highlander and Fortress. Shot in Super 35 means the film has an aspect ratio of about 2:35.1 (like Star Wars). The laserdisc was the only widescreen version released but is now no longer available. To truly appreciate the film you need to see it in the widescreen (or letterboxed) format. I am hoping, whenever they get around to it, Republican Pictures will release the film on DVD so everyone can see what I'm talking about and perhaps include the trailer and that small featurette that was put on the initial Video releases (coming on right after the film had ended). As for the film itself, about a psychopathic killer who, it seems, wants to frame Peter (Lambert) for the murders of unsuspecting, beautiful women, as well as play a sick game with him in the process, Christoph (as he is known in France) keeps you interested and personally I think that's superb, considering for certain scenes he's playing chess. It's his facial expressions that keep you interested, rather than the game itself. Daniel Baldwin (John Carpenter's Vampires) stands out as the antagonistic cop who doesn't like Lambert at all and personally, it seems, would like nothing more than to see him behind bars (or dead). Diane Lane (Judge Dredd, The Perfect Storm) does an alright job playing the psychologist who is trying to figure out whether Peter is psychotic or not and the film takes some interesting twists and turns in that avenue (which propells the film instead of takeing away from it). The chemistry between them is apparent because they were married shortly before (meeting each other on an earlier film called, Priceless Beauty). Tom Skerritt (not Selleck, as a previous reviewer had indicated) plays the head of the police investigation with Baldwin as his partner. Honestly, when first viewing the film I had no idea who the killer was. That's what's great about the movie, it really does keep you guessing. At one point you think you've got it figured out and then it blows your mind and goes in a completely different direction, while still maintaining it's appeal. Knight Moves is the best chess movie(with suspense) I've ever seen. Check it out.
Rating: 
Summary: Intense, keeps you on the edge of your seat and guessing!
Review: This movie didn't get the publicity that it should have. It was an excellent thriller that any suspense fan would rave over. I highly recommend this one!!
Rating:
Summary: Love the movie. Hate the DVD.
Review: This movie has ranked among my favorites since the first time I saw it. It's a great suspense thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. I was eager to add it to my DVD collection, so I ordered it as soon as it came out. Imagine my disappointment in seeing this DVD. The transfer is horrible. This disc was released in the first quarter of 2001 -- over a year after Anamorphic Widescreen became the accepted standard for DVD -- and not only is this transfer not anamorphic, but it is worse quality than the VHS I have seen. There are a number of glitches in the transfer, including some that look as though the transfer was done from a damaged source negative -- maybe even from the VHS itself. On top of that, the disc has NO special features. Even the VHS version had a making-of documentary after the credits rolled! It's hard to believe that transfers with quality this poor are still being released today. If the studio doesn't care enough to do it right, then why do it at all? In summary, I highly recommend this movie.
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