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A Shock to the System (1990)

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Average Rating: 6.9/10
Reviews Counted: 13
Fresh: 10 | Rotten: 3

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 3
Fresh: 3 | Rotten: 0

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Average Rating: 3.3/5
User Ratings: 1,691

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Movie Info

Shock to the System is a black comedy about a middle-aged advertising executive (Michael Caine) who loses his long-awaited promotion to a younger man (Peter Reigret). In frustration, Caine accidentally pushes a panhandler in front of a subway train--and he gets away with the death. Realizing that committing murder might be a little easier than he previously had thought, he begins plotting the murder of several of his corporate enemies. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi

R, 1 hr. 28 min.

Mystery & Suspense, Comedy

Directed By: Jan Egleson

In Theaters: Mar 23, 1990 Wide

On DVD: May 25, 2004

HBO Video

A Shock to the System Trailer & Photos

Cast

Michael Caine
Graham Marshall
Elizabeth McGovern
Stella Anderson
Peter Riegert
Robert Benham
Swoosie Kurtz
Leslie Marshall
Will Patton
Lieutenant Laker
Jenny Wright
Melanie O'Connor
John McMartin
George Brewster
Barbara Baxley
Lillian
Haviland Morris
Tara Liston
Philip Moon
Henry Park
Scotty Bloch
Secretary
Kent Broadhurst
Executive
Mike Cicchetti
Beggar in Subway
Rik Colitti
Bum
Mia Dillon
Graham's Secretary
Jim Dratfield
Additional Dialogue
John Finn
Motorman
Garry Goodrow
Additional Dialogue
Zach Grenier
Executive
Alice Haining
Benham's Secretary
Alicia Hoge
Secretary
Samuel L. Jackson
Ulysses
Tyrone Jackson
Messenger
David Kramer
Additional Dialogue
Patience Moore
Wanda Maas
Elizabeth Morin
Partygoer
Rick Petrucelli
Beggar
Angela Pietropinto
Additional Dialogue
Socorro Santiago
Rental Car Attendant
Sam Schacht
David Jones
David Schramm
Executive
Craig Sechler
Additional Dialogue
Sheila Stainback
News Anchor Woman
Mike Starr
Bum
Kim Staunton
Secretary
Sylvia Marie
Waitress/Dazzles
Victor Truro
Bum
Welker White
Kennel Driver
Darrell Wilks
Mailroom Boy
Joe Zaloom
Hot Dog Vendor
Christopher Durang
Convention Speaker
Frank Ferrara
Cab Driver
Fred Ephraim
Additional Dialogue
Mary Colquhoun
Miguel P�rez
Transit Cop
John Freeman
Decorator

Critic Reviews for A Shock to the System

All Critics (19) | Top Critics (6) | Fresh (10) | Rotten (3) | DVD (1)

A brilliantly modulated, witty and nasty black comedy.

April 21, 2007 Full Review Source: eFilmCritic.com

| Comment

Rob Gonsalves

eFilmCritic.com

A Shock to the System shows what happens in the office when cutthroat competition becomes the norm.

August 30, 2004 Full Review Source: Spirituality and Practice

| Comment

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality and Practice

Okay black comic thriller. Nothing too special.

February 2, 2003 Comment

Ken Hanke

Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

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Audience Reviews for A Shock to the System

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I hardly remember anything about this film except I loved it. I'd really like to see this one again.

October 12, 2007

Christopher Brown

Super Reviewer

If you like black comedies, and Michael Caine, and you come across this one, rent it!

September 27, 2011

Paul Knopick

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