SnoopyStyle
It's 1982 Seattle. Police detective Dave Reichert (Tom Cavanagh) is investigating bodies being dumped in the Green River which is affecting his family life with wife Julie (Michelle Harrison). Helen 'Hel' Remus (Amy Davidson) makes a new friend with wild girl Nat Webley (Jessica Harmon). She rebels after getting raped by her mother (Sharon Lawrence)'s boyfriend. She runs away at 16 after a fight with her mother. Her boyfriend gets her into prostitution and she becomes convinced that the Green River Killer drives a pick-up truck.This is a sincere but over-extended telling of the investigation plus a fictionalized story of one of his victims. This is better than most Lifetime movies. In the end, it tries so hard and falls short of greatness. There is a really compelling true story to be told. I like Cavanagh and he has some poignant scenes with his daughter. The up and downs of the investigation are great material. It's a bit extended and some of it feels repetitive. The last act is really stretched out.The other half of the movie with Hel is fine. Davidson is good but I don't like spirit Hel. It's too lyrical. I would have prefer a true story for Hel. I also wish the movie takes a chance with the structure. The first part of the movie could be all Hel leading up to her death. Then the second part of the series could be Reichert doing the investigation. Generally, this is over-extended with some very compelling moments.
MarieGabrielle
This film is not like most serial killer stories, in that it examines the lives of the young girls, tragic victims in the wrong place at the wrong time, born into the wrong social class with little choices Amy Davidson as victim Helen "Hel" Remus is particularly tragic and notable; a discarded child really, her mother Opal (Sharon Lawrence) is an impoverished waitress living in a trailer park, drinking, and attaching to any man who will be her meal ticket for a day.Tom Cavanagh is good as local Detective Reichert, who persists on the Green River Killer case despite the foibles and arrogance of the FBI.The actor portraying Gary Ridgeway is effectively sleazy and odious, he looks like any gas station attendant a young girl may hitch a ride from: that's the truly frightening aspect. Most serial killers blend in the scenery, hold steady jobs, and many are never caught.Indeed the Green River Killer was free for over a decade and his tally of victims has never been clearly established.Overall the film is not perfect in that some of the deeper psychological issues leading to these tragedies could have been explored, for instance what leads young girls to a transient life in the first place, and why is society failing here?.Worth watching as it is respectful of the young and tragic victims of these senseless and random homicides. 8/10.
mikelcat
This '' chronicle'' of the capture of the green river killer is a story of Dave Reichart the cop who couldn't catch him . Given all the latest tools police technology had to offer and a lot of manpower he was unable to find the perpetrator .Hey , it happens . It tore Reichart apart for sure he was and apparently is tormented by this incident but it was hardly his fault . The person who caught Gary Ridgeway was the unknown DNA perfector and the crime scene tech .Ridgeway was interviewed several times some by Reichart personally , the searched his house twice and his work area and nothing . Reichart's obsession with this case is in my opinion his inability to accept the fact that he couldn't catch Ridgeway straight up .A post arrest interview between Reichart and Ridgeway spoke volumes /Reichart tried to intimidate and bully Ridgeway , his hostility and feelings of ineptitude were very evident as well as his guilt . Reichart it wasn't your responsibility even though you see it that way , its your job to do your best , thats it .Part of being a man is accepting when your best effort didn't produce a desired result .I believe his motives were genuine , but his ego doesn't allow him to move on .If you have difficulty think of all the innocent men you hounded on this case and were proved wrong , how you invaded their lives and privacy , feel bad about them instead of yourself.You must reconcile that with the fact you did your best , put extra-ordinary time and effort into this , sacrificed time with your family as well So don't waste any more time on the sicko . Your just a man who came up short on this occasion, move on .This film didn't effectively document this story in my opinion .
Kimberlyjeana
I followed the story of the Green River Killer as the country did. After watching "The Capture of the Green River Killer" I have to say I too am in awe of Tom Cavanaugh's performance. I have loved him as the adorable Ed and in his romantic comedy's like "Grey Matters" and "Snow", but I too have to say that his role as Dave Reichert was just spell binding. This is a mind blowing TV movie. Better than most at the movie theater - very much like "The Lovely Bones", as the victims talk through out the movie. I was riveted by his and the whole cast's performances. Just a fantastic movie.