User reviews

I'm 48 and often miss the careful production and story/character development of 80s/90s films, elements that are so often missing in many of today's movies, particularly crime-suspense dramas. COPYCAT (1995) is well-produced and gripping, with some interesting quirks of character. Sigourney Weaver gives a nice performance here, but Holly Hunter really defines the show as uncoppish cop M.J. Monahan. Many people will not like her performance for the very reasons that I do like it--Imagine Sarah Palin in the role of a homicide detective, and you'll see what I mean. Harry Connick, JR, is also memorable in his bad-guy role here.

COPYCAT has an interesting premise, but, as horrible as the following may sound, it would have been nice if they'd taken it a bit further, having the killer imitate a few others before the big come-uppance. A little more on Peter Foley, who/why he is, and what motivates him would also have helped. COPYCAT is quite watchable if you're a fan of this genre, but the whole storyline is kind of TV-Land same ol', predictable, and nothing terribly original despite the winning premise.

The serial killer genre is one that became popular after "Silence of the Lambs," and since then the only ones that have really stuck out are "Se7en," "Copycat" and "Saw." "Copycat" is about a psychologist who lectures students on serial killers, and one day finds herself to be a victim at one of her speeches. Attacked in the bathroom, she narrowly escapes death and becomes a social recluse in the years that follow -- living through the Internet, anonymously chatting on Internet chat rooms and so on and so forth.

Until the terror begins again, this time involving not only the ex-pschologist (Sigourney Weaver) but also a cop played by Holly Hunter.

"Copycat" was much better than I thought it would be. I originally saw it on TBS years ago; I remember the ads claiming it would be on, but for some reason the rights fell through and it didn't air for another month or so... through this time period I hadn't heard anything about the film, but within the very first few minutes I instantly knew it was going to be much better than the standard "Silence" rip-off.

I may be alone here (and trust me, I know it) but I enjoy this more than "Silence of the Lambs," which kind of bores me at times. "Copycat" is dark and unexpectedly intelligent -- it is also perfectly cast. Weaver is fine (if unexceptional) whereas Hunter's macho-female traits are put into play perfectly by her casting as a cop.

The killer in the movie is played by Harry Connick Jr., and even he does a good job, which is saying quite a lot.

The movie has unexpected twists and is very clever in its own right. It is undoubtedly influenced (heavily) by "Silence of the Lambs" but is successful in the way it adds its own qualities to the mix -- much like "Se7en" this is a serial killer movie cashing in on the success of "Silence," but not necessarily stealing its content.

Very surprised. Catch it if you can.

Contrary to what several users have written, "Copycat" is _not_ "Silence of the Lambs 2". Nor is it a rip-off of "Se7en", or an exploitation flick, or any other negative labels that have been foisted upon it. Rather, it's a gripping, and largely intriguing thriller that succeeds thanks to performances by two confident female leads, competent direction, intelligent writing, and an appropriately foreboding score courtesy of Christopher Young, who's fast becoming one of my favorite film composers.

Sigourney Weaver hits the right notes as the agoraphobic psychiatrist, especially early on, as we see the depths to which she has shut herself off from the outside world, creating her own safe little corner. Holly Hunter, in a role that instantly brings to mind Jane Craig from "Broadcast News", is effective as the investigating detective. Hers is a performance that is three-dimensional and fully-realized.

If there's a weakness in the film, it's the ongoing beef between Ruben and Nico. It's a meritless p***ing contest stemming from one character's jealousy, and could've easily been dropped or retooled. This small gripe, however, didn't deter my enjoyment of the film.

Much credit has to be given to director Jon Amiel ("Sommersby", "Entrapment") for effectively capturing the atmosphere and tension prevalent throughout the film. In addition, writers Ann Biderman and David Madsen deserve credit for a intelligent, well-researched screenplay. No clichés here, just sharply-crafted dialogue. And Christopher Young's inspired score is brilliant; just listen to the theme that plays early on, as Helen calms down after a panic attack.

"Copyat" may not be classic material, but it's a strong entry in a genre that's too often consumed by formulas and gore. Highly recommended.

It's a nice and refreshing departure to see two strong female characters interacting in a thriller like this. Weaver and Hunter are both terrific in their respective roles. I have always liked the "annoying victim" device in movies, especially here, because it really brings out the inner workings behind each cop that works with her. Rarely do films like this give you such three-dimensional characters.

I also liked the outrageousness of the serial killer. Most serial killers want to be caught, they want to be put on display for their own brilliance and they want to meet the person who finally figured it out. Just like Connick's Darryl, who wants nothing more than to out-maneuver Weaver, the woman who out-maneuvered him, for the simple joy of ego gratification.

I didn't like, and was disappointed by, all of the dumb little computer tricks that the killer used to taunt Weaver and the police. It seemed like it was done just to introduce the element of electronic media so it appeared to be a "modern" story. I was also very put off and confused by the use of the Police song "Murder by Numbers" as a piece of evidence. Weaver attempts to psychoanalyze it as if the killer wrote the song. It's ludicrous even if the killer uses the song as an anthem. This was an extremely unwieldy section of the movie and does not make for good viewing, whether or not you're familiar with the song. But these are only small points in a good movie overall.

A serial killer is claiming victims in the style of other killers from the recent past, homicide detective (Holly Hunter) needs the help of a noted criminal psychologist (Sigourney Weaver) if she is going to catch this killer. The trouble is she is an agoraphobic recluse haunted by her memories.

The characters build nicely as the story moves along at a steady pace, Weaver and Hunter both capture their characters very well and they are supported convincingly by Dermot Mulroney, William McNamara, Harry Connick Jnr. and Will Patton.

Copycat is full of suspense and intrigue, and it is a really solid film in every respect; it doesn't have the style or the punch of films like Seven and Silence of the Lambs, but it is definitely well worth watching.

7/10

This is not even close to Silence of the Lambs. In fact, it has so many plot holes and logical inconsistencies that 6 - 6.5 rating is generous. Acting was good but character development was sparse. We get no background on why this kid kills. He just does. And, the all-knowing psychologist who surmises that he has technical lab job, can't figure out that he has access to sperm samples and get police over to IVF labs? Really? The most unbelievable part of Copycat is that the Dr. gets attacked multiple times in her apt yet police put a single,bumbling officer outside her door time and time again. The movie has some suspense but it is not even close to top thrillers of all-time. Too highly rated on Amazon and by many here..

Psychologist Helen Hudson (Sigourney Weaver) is giving a guest lecture on serial killers. Daryll Lee Cullum (Harry Connick, Jr.) surprises her in the bathroom and kills her police protection. Thirteen months later, she has become agoraphobic haunted by the experience. There is a serial killer is on the loose in San Francisco and she figures out his m.o. of copying other famous serial killers. M.J. Monahan (Holly Hunter) and Reuben Goetz (Dermot Mulroney) are the investigative officers and they recruit her to help.

Sure, it's the same old serial killer movie. It does add a couple of interesting wrinkles and with solid female leads. Hunter is confident and fully realized. Weaver and her point of view deliver a sincere and fragile personality. The movie opens with the memorable bathroom attack. The other memorable aspect is Weaver struggling in her home. The investigation and the serial killer are less compelling. This follows the formula and it does it pretty well.

This is an overlooked, intelligent, frightening thriller. It poses a sick, shrewd serial killer against a brilliant psychologist/writer/professor (Weaver) and an attractive team of cops. Weaver delivers an outstanding performance as the brilliant agorophobic (sp.?) who has been emotionally devastated by a prior run-in with a serial killer. Offers a clif's notes review of the century's major serial killers, constant tension, crisp writing and outstanding performances. In short, it is a very good, very scary movie, and you should see it it you haven't yet.

Personally, I also think Weaver looks fabulous. Brains and beauty and character. Nice combination.

Sigourney Weaver plays Dr. Helen Hudson, a retired psychiatrist that specializes in serial killers. Hudson is agoraphobic and suffers with different degrees of stress and depression. Holly Hunter and Dermot Mulroney are detectives trying to catch a serial killer. Harry Connick, Jr. plays a serial killer behind bars and taunts Hudson as she tries to help the investigators. The killer wants his own fame for duplicating famous murders. The background score will help your nerves jitter. Hunter is not convincing as a police officer. Mulroney's character is as bold as cardboard. Connick, Jr. is quite funny in a cynical way. Weaver conveyed her character's fear and anxiety. And without a change of expression, was bribed out of a pair of her frilly panties in exchange for information about the killer's identity. Dim the lights and enjoy.

I watched this movie for the first time yesterday and I've never enjoyed a movie this much in a long time. Weaver and Hunter have fantastic chemistry as the two leads and the film keeps you guessing until the very end. Some parts are a little far-fetched but that's what makes the film so much fun. Highly recommended!

This isn't actually a terrible film by any stretch of the imagination; it's just one of those films which loses focus and is never quite sure what it wants to be.

Basic outline - Sigourney Weaver plays a serial killer expert, haunted by her past, who is roped in by the police to guide them towards a serial killer operating in the city. The murderer is copying the M.O. of famous serial killers from the sixties, seventies and eighties.

The problem is that even though it is ostensibly - as its title suggests - a film about Copycat killers, it feels somewhat lightweight in the amount of 'copycatting' - it feels like a tame half-baked plot line, which is more focused on Sigourney Weaver's character's past horrors. The 'copycat' idea just feels so, so underplayed - the director doesn't really work off it, it's just a vaguely interesting aside by the final reel.

However, it must be said, Sigourney Weaver acts her socks off - she really does play an excellent role as an agoraphobic suffering with a chronic (understandable) case of PTSD. Holly Hunter also plays her role with gusto.

However, disappointingly, the perpetrator is 2d and meaningless; after the film spent the first 10, 20 minutes explaining that a serial killer can be 'just like you and me' they didn't then justify that at all, they just roped in a cartoon (overacted) nutter.

Too much is 'stock' - there is quite a jarring, wasted death which feels put in for the sake of ticking that Hollywood plot box. Police guards are literally the most useless in any film, ever. The scenes of the internet in its infancy are quite endearing, but do date the film terribly.

Yeah, overall, it just feels like a missed opportunity. It's hard to believe that this and the majestic 'Se7en' came out within a month of each other; one looks, feels and plays like mid-nineties Hollywood, the other is so much more.

This is a suspense thriller that is more dull and boring than actually entertaining and thrilling. Maybe it's because it's a bit outdated or something, but nothing about it really stood out or got me into scared mode or anything like that. While watching it, I was expecting at least some cool surprises or twist but nothing of that happened. Instead I was left with a cliché thriller about a copycat killer that copies the methods of other past serial killers. None of the characters are even remotely interesting, even the serial killer in this. During the whole time I was checking the time to see when this movie is going to end, cause it seemed a lot longer than it's running time. It did have it's moments though and some aspects of it was crafted pretty well. Besides that it's a predictable thriller with nothing spectacular.

4.8/10

Derivative serial killer thriller in which a murderer sends a message to his chasers, a line from a song by The Police, promising turn a killing into art. Here Sigourney Weaver is a psychologist who suffers agarophobia , mortally afraid to venture out of her apartament and she mutters : "Very witty, this guy. He wants to dazzle us". Holly Hunter and Dermot Mulroney are two cops who pursue mercilessly the ominous, implacable murderer and being advised by another killer, crooner Harry Connick Jr, in prison to hunt him, while imitating famous murders. As the main killer copies known murders of the past, cut by cut, corpse by corpse. Eventually, protagonists coming a face to face with the heinous enemy until a silly and predictable finale.

This thriling film contains grisly killings, some very clever shocks, exploitation, and lots of scary creepings in the dark. The simple plot ,peculiarly tasteless , delivers an opportunist concept, though being subsequently more and more complex, when the nasty serial killer attempts to reproduce the murders of others notorious serial killers as Ted Bundy, Sam's son, Dahmer, Jack the Ripper and Murders by Numbers. There are various flashes of interest between the intriguingly matched stars. The screenwriters carry out to replicate even the feminist structure from Silence Of The Lambs with Holly Hunter and Sigourney Weaver splintering the Clarice Starling/Jodie Foster character. And while consulting convicted psycho Harry Connick at inside prison , how the another killer proceeds to murder. SIgourney Weaver plays a boozing, agarophobic psychologist suffering the effects of an attack by a terrible sicko, being almost hanged drawn and quartered. Weaver gives sometimes overacting, eventually grabs our deep attention along the way. Harry Connick as a Southern psychopath stuck on murder who is convict in prison while advising the police in hunting for another serial murderer who imitates him, he offers the movie's best portratal by a country mile. Will Patton is the obstinate cop, Hunter's ex-lover, unreasonably jealous of the unfortunate cop well played by Delmot Mulroney. And finally William McNamara who provides an extremely nasty madman role, though annoying, as the crowded serial killer and psychopath, a Hannibal Lecter lookalike.

It delivers a frightening and suspenseful soundtrack by the musician Christopher Young, a real expert in creating dark and sinister atmosphere. As well as an evocative and adequate cinematography by prestigious Lazslo Kovacs. This particularly nasty motion picture was well directed by Jon Amiel who keeps the tension high and his camera dwells lingeringly on sadistic details. He has made acceptable movies as Queen of hearts, Tune in tomorrow, Sommersby, The man who Knew too little, Entrapment, The Core. Rating 6.5/10. Decent thriller. Well worth watching for Sigourney Weaver and Holly Hunter fans .

The weird subject of serial killer has been studied by forensic science, which after exhaustive studies, the researchers found an pattern concerning them, they are white man with age between 20-35 years old, quite often intelligent, however suffered some kind of moral harassment by its parents, it was utterly exploited by cinema industry, each one portrayed many of them, this one has an unusual approaching when the very prestigious psychologist Helen Hudson (Sigourney Weaver) was giving her usual lecture, such spotlight had a tragic ending when she is became a victim, afterwards it made a deep damages on her private life and triggered recurrent panic attacks, thus later diagnosed as agoraphobia, she enclosing at her own world at her house, when a new serial killer starts killing, the police department of San Francisco soon nominee the proficient M.J. Monahan (Holly Hunter) and her still young newest partner Reuben Goetz (Dermot Mulroney) to solve the case, adrift they asking for help of the retired Helen Hudson, the movie has a high octane rating of fear and sturdily disturbing expose by the director Jon Amiel, who thru an adviser interviewed some serial killer at jail in order to developing a most accurate screenplay possible, !!

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First watch: 2020 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7.5

With the exact amount of female empowerment. You don't need much, no superwomen, nor big talkers. Just strong women acting out, when they're faced with really dangerous situations. I love both leads. They are both so different and of the same, at the same time. They even lose their « male compasses », at the same time. Male characters are nicely written too, some might think they are too stereotypical, but they would be wrong. And they complement the female duo's psychologies, perfectly. Even the bad guys did. Only now that we have shows like Criminal Minds, the storytelling and the way the psychopaths are portrayed, lost pertinence. That being said, you still get into the investigation, thanks to the flawless acting, the good script (I don't remember any plot holes, sorry) and one liners, that managed to mix horror, thriller and even, comedy. The movie may be a little « old » too, but I think it aged nicely. Even the technology and pop culture references, don't look and sound outdated. All in all, Copycat is a very good thriller, but not one you should watch before bed...

It all starts with Dr. Helen Hudson(Weaver) giving a lecture on serial killers, little knowing that she's about to have an encounter with one. After her lecture is over she visits the restroom, and is attacked by one Daryll Lee Cullum(Connick). Flash forward 13 months. We see Hudson yet again, but this time she's confined to her apartment. You see, she's now an agoraphobic, having retired after that fateful day. At the local police precinct detectives M.J. Monahan(Hunter) and Ruben Goetz(Mulroney) are tracking a killer of their own, played by William McNamara. He appears to be mimicing the MO's of various famous serial killers. Hudson hears about this over the radio and calls the precinct with some information. She speaks to Monahan, who thinks it's a crank call. Monahan and Goetz pay a little visit to Hudson's residence, carrying with them photographs of the recent crime scenes. Hudson determines the killer is indeed copying other serial killers. A while later, an unseen visitor breaks into her apartment, leaving the dress she was wearing the day she was attacked by Cullum neatly spread out on her bed. Her home is no longer safe. Monahan and Goetz have dragged her back into the world she tried to leave behind. Now Hudson must help the detectives catch the copycat before she becomes the next victim.

Realistic in just about every aspect, Copycat is right up there with Silence of the Lambs. Comparisons to Seven are not unwarrented, but the plot here is more believable. A very good cast, with Weaver giving one of the best perfomances of her career. Hunter and Mulroney are also excellent. The film is provided a very tense and terrifying atmosphere, thanks to director Jon Amiel. It doesn't need to wallow in needless violence and gore, because it has what every great Thriller needs: suspense on an epic scale. The violence is kept to a minimum, but what it contains can be a bit unsettling, if for no other reason than because we get to know how the killer thinks. Along the same lines, Weaver's portrayal of an agoraphobic is perfect. You don't have to imagine what Weaver is feeling when she steps out of her apartment, or what the killer is feeling while he murders his victims. You feel every bit of it, which is why this film succeeds so masterfully.

Copycat is that rare film that comes along every other year or so that has the ability to pull you into it. It takes you on a most terrifying journey into the mind of a serial killer and the doctor that understands him. I can't say anything more, except that I love this film. Hitchcock would've been proud.

This film is only saved by a decent performance by Weaver. The script is unfortunately tripe. When compared to the films I'm reading about - Seven and Silence of the Lambs - this isn't even in the same ballpark.

To start, there is something about Holly Hunter's character that is all too cheery at a crime scene. It starts not to feel real right from the start. And then the chips fall in too place all too neatly that none of it feels real. The script never bothers to ask why the events take place or even offer a true insight into the characters anything more than paper thin.

There are several major holes in the script which make very little sense and it's unfortunate. The film plays out like a contrived period piece that hasn't aged very well. And without spoiling too much, the movie shows its hand far, far too early.

Little character exploration. Simple romantic gestures and conflicts as if a textbook checkbox for film scripts. This is unfortunately a film that belongs squarely in the B-film category and no better. Don't be fooled by the comments. It's OK and that's about all, with too many implausibilities. And the ending... sad. Very sad.

From the opening scene, Sigourney Weaver (Helen Hudson) gives a stunning performance as a criminal psychologist going on to battle with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Her character is excellently portrayed with all the mood swings, panic attacks and ups and downs of a person fighting depression. She is backed up with another excellent lead character courtesy of Holly Hunter (Detective M J Monahan) who proves that attractive young actresses really can play a serious part well if they have the talent - a talent Holly Hunter has no problems expressing.

The plot is well written and takes you on the roller-coaster race against time (well is IS a suspense movie after all) as the homicide department are desperately trying to catch a copycat serial killer before he emulates any more infamous murderers. Attention to detail is impressive in the producing of this movie and the lead actresses are backed up my and excellent supporting cast with Dermot Mulroney providing Hunter with the dashing detective sidekick Ruben Goetz. The viewer is drawn to start thinking along the same lines as the lead characters and twists in the plot ensure that you don't get it all right ahead of the storyline.

Highly recommended for a night in. Dim the lights and settle down for almost 2 hours of quality entertainment.

An interesting idea here is that we have two professional women dealing with the issue of violence against women. Sigourney Weaver plays Helen Hudson, author and expert on serial killers who becomes agoraphobic after an encounter with a killer. Holly Hunter plays M.J. Monahan, slightly nasal lead detective who smiles a lot and looks just out of high school but who can be as steely and relentless as any male cop.

Most of the plot binds Helen and M.J. in their pursuit of an intelligent serial killer who terrorizes San Francisco. It's the chemistry between the two women that make "Copycat" somewhat unique among the list of psychological thrillers. There's plenty of suspense, with gloved hands, shadowy figures, and silence. Long camera takes enhance creepy tension as does odd camera angles.

As with most thrillers of this kind, the killer seems to know exactly where to be and when to be there, and that's a genre problem. There are also some story clichés, like dependence on television news and the use of computers to convey information to the audience. I did not like the bathroom segments, and Harry Connick Jr. needs to confine his efforts to his great music. The film's climax descends into unrealistic silliness.

Production design is fine. Of note is Helen's elaborate and modern apartment, wherein almost one-third of the film takes place. The score varies appropriately from melancholy to eerie to classical. But I dislike the song "Murder By Numbers", mercifully played just once. Casting is credible; acting is above average. Weaver gives a convincing performance, and Holly Hunter is good in every movie I have seen her.

A lot of research went into this film on serial killers. For example, we know that most organized serial killers hide behind a mask of normalcy; and in a couple of early scenes our killer shows up as just another average Joe, undetectable in his apparent sanity.

The story here is a bit contrived. But it draws viewers in with lots of tension and suspense. And with the performances of Weaver and Hunter, the film's imperfections seem less severe.