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Movies / On DVD / Instinct
Instinct

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Instinct (1999)

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Reviews Counted:66

Fresh:18

Rotten:48

Average Rating:4.3/10

Consensus: A convoluted and predictable plot overshadows the performances.

Runtime: 2 hrs 6 mins

Genre: Dramas

Synopsis: Theo Caulder (Gooding, Jr.) is an ambitious psychiatric who has been asked by his mentor Ben Hillard (Sutherland) to evaluate the case of legendary anthropologist and primatologist Ethan Powell... Theo Caulder (Gooding, Jr.) is an ambitious psychiatric who has been asked by his mentor Ben Hillard (Sutherland) to evaluate the case of legendary anthropologist and primatologist Ethan Powell (Hopkins). Powell- a highly educated man who holds an ominous secret in his past- is currently being held captive in a maximum security prison for the critically insane. In an attempt to understand the actions of this headline-gripping madman, Caulder elicits the aid of Powell's estranged daughter, Lyn. Risking his career and his life, Caulder's ambition drives him to find the truth, regardless of the cost. Both men become psychologically connected as their relationship changes from psychiartrist and prisoner to student and teacher. [More]

Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Cuba Gooding, Donald Sutherland, Maura Tierney

Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Cuba Gooding, Donald Sutherland, Maura Tierney, George Dzundza, John Ashton, John Aylward, Marc Macaulay

Director: Jon Turteltaub

Director: Jon Turteltaub
Screenwriter: Gerald Di Pego
Producer: Barbara Boyle, Michael Taylor
Composer: Danny Elfman

[See More Credits]

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Release:

May 6, 2003

[DVD Details]
 
 
  • Instinct
  • Don't miss Academy Award(R)-winners Anthony Hopkins (Best Actor, THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, THE INNOCENT) and Cuba Gooding, Jr. (Best Supporting Actor, JERRY MAGUIRE, PEARL HARBOR) in this highly provocative psychological thriller from the hit-making director of PHENOMENON and WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING! In a prison for the criminally insane, deranged anthropologist Ethan Powell (Hopkins) is set to be examined by a bright young psychiatrist, Theo Caulder (Gooding). Driven by ambition and a hunger for the truth, Caulder will eventually risk everything -- even put his very life on the line -- in a harrowing attempt to understand the bizarre actions of this madman! Also starring Donald Sutherland (A TIME TO KILL, DISCLOSURE) and Maura Tierney (FORCES OF NATURE, LIAR LIAR) in a first-rate cast -- Powell and Caulder's adventure of the mind is a riveting journey of discovery ... no matter what the cost!
  • Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
  •  
     
     
     

    Reviews for Instinct

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    1 - 20 (sorted by fresh rating)
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    Instinct, by trusting its own, should manage to sate a few common urges of moviegoers of all type.

    Full Review Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | comment Comment
    01/01/00
    Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

    Hopkins is quite good as Powell.

    Full Review Source: Citysearch | comment Comment
    01/01/00
    Darren D'Addario
    Darren D'Addario
    Citysearch

    Strong acting and philosophical message!

    Full Review Source: NUVO Newsweekly | comment Comment
    01/01/00
    Edward Johnson-Ott
    Edward Johnson-Ott
    NUVO Newsweekly

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: Apollo Guide | comment Comment
    01/01/00
    Elspeth Haughton
    Elspeth Haughton
    Apollo Guide

    A psychologically rich film about animal and human nature.

    Full Review Source: Spirituality and Practice | comment Comment
    03/04/02
    Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
    Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
    Spirituality and Practice

    Director Jon Turteltaub keeps both the physical action and the verbal exchanges flowing, gradually revealing the demons that arouse the scholar to murderous fury.

    Full Review Source: Compuserve | comment Comment
    01/01/00
    Harvey S. Karten
    Harvey S. Karten
    Compuserve

    Instinct does explore some intriguing ideas, which are showcased in the fine performances of Hopkins and Gooding.

    Full Review Source: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | comment Comment
    01/01/00
    Jack Garner
    Jack Garner
    Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

    Solid directing and good acting!

    Full Review Source: ReelViews | comment Comment
    01/01/00
    James Berardinelli
    James Berardinelli
    ReelViews
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    Gooding's mostly believable and delivers a crowd pleasing take on his character.

    Full Review Source: Screen It! | comment Comment
    01/01/00
    Jim Judy
    Jim Judy
    Screen It!

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: JoBlo's Movie Emporium | comment Comment
    01/01/00
    JoBlo
    JoBlo
    JoBlo's Movie Emporium

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: Film Quips Online | comment Comment
    02/08/03
    John R. McEwen
    John R. McEwen
    Film Quips Online

    Two terrific performances!

    comment Comment
    01/01/00
    Lawrence Toppman
    Lawrence Toppman
    Charlotte Observer

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: SPLICEDWire | comment Comment
    01/01/00
    Rob Blackwelder
    Rob Blackwelder
    SPLICEDWire

    Gooding is at his best!

    comment Comment
    01/01/00
    Robert Horton
    Robert Horton
    Film.com
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    Perhaps, like the human race itself, "Instinct," far from flawless is nonetheless seductively imperious, and yes, as lovable as a perfect paradox

    Full Review Source: Hollywood Report Card | comment Comment
    01/01/00
    Ross Anthony
    Ross Anthony
    Hollywood Report Card

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: Austin Chronicle | comment Comment
    01/01/00
    Russell Smith
    Russell Smith
    Austin Chronicle

    A guilty pleasure.

    Full Review Source: StaciWilson.com | comment Comment
    01/02/05
    Staci Layne Wilson
    Staci Layne Wilson
    StaciWilson.com

    Strong performances!

    Full Review Source: Detroit News | comment Comment
    01/01/00
    Susan Stark
    Susan Stark
    Detroit News
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: Film Threat | comment Comment
    12/06/05
    Film Threat

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: Reel.com | comment Comment
    01/01/00
    Reel.com
     
     
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