This movie is obviously low-budget & filmed in British Columbia,Canada. The obstacles that had to be overcome to make this movie convincing(set in California & late 60's-80's)were well conceived.I believe this is the best & most accurate version of the Zodiac killings that plagued the town of Vallejo & the Bay area from 1968-19? (he was never caught).Edward James Olmos(Det. Dave Toschi) & George Dzundza(Zodiac-at the time believed to be Arthur Leigh Allen, since cleared by DNA & fingerprints)play a game of cat & mouse re-visiting crime scenes together, each one trying to trigger the other into an emotional revelation.Olmos dying from some type of terminal disease & knowing Dzundza did it,still totally obsessed to the point of losing his family & becoming a full blown alcoholic along the way.Dzundza totally oblivious & self absorbed(like all serial killers) to the carnage left in his wake.The only disappointment was the"over the top" ending otherwise pretty accurate.If you tire of the typical Hollywood fluff or have an interest in the Zodiac case,check it out.
8 Reviews
Limbic Region: The part of the brain that controls emotions
sol121814 January 2004
*****SPOILERS***** Det. Jon Lucca, Edward James Olmos, is slowly dying from the stress of trying to find and arrest "The Scorekeeper" a serial murderer in the San Francisco area. That put him in an detox clinic for his heavy use of alcohol as well as his heavy smoking for over twenty years. "The Scorekeeper" who murdered scores of people during that time had Det. Lucca pick up the suspected murder Llyod Ward, George Dzundza, and go on a long ride with him to finally find out the truth which proved to be fatal for both persons.
The story of Jon and Llyod goes back to 1974 when a series of lovers lane murders occurred in San Francisco with the killer taunting the police by sending them letters boasting of how smart he is and how they'll never catch him. Det. Lucca was put in charge of "The Scorekeeper", the name that the murderer gave himself, murder case. Det. Lucca tracked down the killer for over two years until he came to the conclusion that he was Llyod Ward but didn't have the evidence to prove and arrest him. This made Det. Lucca harass Llyod unmercifully until a person, Jonathan Palis, calling himself "The Scorekeeper" was shot by Det. Lucca and the police at a local strip club. After Palis' death the "Scorekeeper" murder case was closed by the police. Det. Lucca felt that the police killed the wrong man and that the "Scorekeeper Murderer" was still on the loose but the police and media were keeping the killings of "The Scorekeeper" quiet from the general public. It was that reason that Det. Lucca made his decision to meet with Llyod Ward that night to see if he was right or wrong about him.
Pretty good made for TV thriller with some very good acting by it's top stars Edward James Olmos and George Dzundza. Even though the ending was a bit contrived and hard to believe the tension and terror of that ride in the night by both stars did hold up through the entire movie and more then made up for the uneven ending.
I was fascinated by seeing George Dzundza playing the gun-loving and dangerous Llyod Ward. George looked so much like Michael Moore the anti-gun advocate and maker of the anti-gun documentary "Bowling for Calumbine" that every time he was on the screen I had to convince myself that I wasn't seeing things.
The story of Jon and Llyod goes back to 1974 when a series of lovers lane murders occurred in San Francisco with the killer taunting the police by sending them letters boasting of how smart he is and how they'll never catch him. Det. Lucca was put in charge of "The Scorekeeper", the name that the murderer gave himself, murder case. Det. Lucca tracked down the killer for over two years until he came to the conclusion that he was Llyod Ward but didn't have the evidence to prove and arrest him. This made Det. Lucca harass Llyod unmercifully until a person, Jonathan Palis, calling himself "The Scorekeeper" was shot by Det. Lucca and the police at a local strip club. After Palis' death the "Scorekeeper" murder case was closed by the police. Det. Lucca felt that the police killed the wrong man and that the "Scorekeeper Murderer" was still on the loose but the police and media were keeping the killings of "The Scorekeeper" quiet from the general public. It was that reason that Det. Lucca made his decision to meet with Llyod Ward that night to see if he was right or wrong about him.
Pretty good made for TV thriller with some very good acting by it's top stars Edward James Olmos and George Dzundza. Even though the ending was a bit contrived and hard to believe the tension and terror of that ride in the night by both stars did hold up through the entire movie and more then made up for the uneven ending.
I was fascinated by seeing George Dzundza playing the gun-loving and dangerous Llyod Ward. George looked so much like Michael Moore the anti-gun advocate and maker of the anti-gun documentary "Bowling for Calumbine" that every time he was on the screen I had to convince myself that I wasn't seeing things.
worth a look but not much else
baal rob9 September 1999
this is a movie for people who watch a good amount of movies. it is a decent movie, but it may not be for people who are used to the more mainstream flick. it has okay acting, okay plot, okay cinematography, but nothing real outstanding. the unique thing may be the way the two main characters interact throughout the whole movie. it was kind of bizarre and i really liked it. however, i am afraid to say that the whole movie is very predictable. as it goes, the movie something new to an old recipe.
Killer fiick!
theronnieacestation30 May 2023
Dark( and I mean dark) as in 0 lighting, but that only adds to the murky places of your mind this film will lead you. Superbly acted and totally believable, Olmos's voice carries you though his subconscious journey of self doubt and pain throughout this marvelous little one camara shoot. Using special effects no bigger then your old cam corder, the director does his job showing
what obsession can do a person who is just trying to do his job. George Dzunda is worth his weight in pure tonnange and acting ability. You will be mesmerized and totally shocked at the surprise ending. No, not a mainstream blockbuster, just a little film that will leave you shouting at the end.
what obsession can do a person who is just trying to do his job. George Dzunda is worth his weight in pure tonnange and acting ability. You will be mesmerized and totally shocked at the surprise ending. No, not a mainstream blockbuster, just a little film that will leave you shouting at the end.
Great "X-Files" Drinking Game...
vnssyndrome8911 September 2023
THE LIMBIC REGION
(TV Movie 1996)
BASIC PLOT: Jon Lucca (Edward James Olmos) is an ex-cop on the edge. His obsessions have robbed him of everything, his job, his family, and they will soon rob him of his life. He's been diagnosed with cancer, and he's got nothing left to lose. Lucca's been chasing a serial killer, called "The Scorekeeper," for years. Ages ago, the killer began shooting teenagers on lover's lanes, and sending letters to the cops. Lucca is sure it's a man named Lloyd Warden (George Dzundza). No one else believes this, and Lucca is forced into retirement. But after his cancer diagnosis, he doesn't care what anyone thinks anymore. He's determined to get Warden, one way or the other. Is he strong enough for the final confrontation, or will his demons consume him, once and for all?
WHAT WORKS: *QUALITY PERFORMANCES FROM THE TWO LEADS The performances of Edward James Olmos, and George Dzundza as Jon Lucca and Lloyd Warden, are first rate. They make the movie worth watching, and elevate it above the standard made-for-tv movie faire.
*IT MAKES A FUN DRINKING GAME The ancillary characters are mainly actors and actress that appeared on The X Files (1993). Since they only used quality talent on The X Files (1993), you get that same quality from the side characters here. It also makes for a fun drinking game, everytime you see an actor from The X Files (1993), take a drink! Roger Cross, Gwynyth Walsh, Tom McBeath, Brent Stait, Stephen E. Miller, Carly McKillip, Don MacKay, Campbell Lane, Mikal Dughi, Larry Musser, William B. Davis, Doug Abrahams, Andrew Airlie, Mitchell Kosterman, Jonathan Palis, Pat Bermel, Matt Hill, Alf Humphreys, Don Thompson, Jason Griffith, and Cameron K. Smith all appeared on The X Files (1993).
WHAT DOESN'T WORK: *THE ENDING SUCKS!
The last three minutes of this movie is terrible, and not very realistic. It should have ended at the bridge, not the police station. If it had ended on a lonely bridge, in the rain, that would have been a perfect noir ending. But it doesn't, and it taints the whole movie. The last three minutes cost it a whole star.
TO RECOMMEND, OR NOT TO RECOMMEND, THAT IS THE QUESTION: *If you like fatalistic, dark, slow burns, you'll probably like this. Edward James Olmos and George Dzundza's performances make this worth a watch. Even if you're not a fan of any of those things, you've still got the The X Files (1993) drinking game.
CLOSING NOTES: *This is a made-for-tv movie, please keep that in mind before you watch\rate it. TV movies have a much lower budget, and so your expectations should be adjusted.
*I have no connection to the film, or production in ANY way. I am just an honest viewer, who wishes for more straight forward reviews. Hope I helped you out.
BASIC PLOT: Jon Lucca (Edward James Olmos) is an ex-cop on the edge. His obsessions have robbed him of everything, his job, his family, and they will soon rob him of his life. He's been diagnosed with cancer, and he's got nothing left to lose. Lucca's been chasing a serial killer, called "The Scorekeeper," for years. Ages ago, the killer began shooting teenagers on lover's lanes, and sending letters to the cops. Lucca is sure it's a man named Lloyd Warden (George Dzundza). No one else believes this, and Lucca is forced into retirement. But after his cancer diagnosis, he doesn't care what anyone thinks anymore. He's determined to get Warden, one way or the other. Is he strong enough for the final confrontation, or will his demons consume him, once and for all?
WHAT WORKS: *QUALITY PERFORMANCES FROM THE TWO LEADS The performances of Edward James Olmos, and George Dzundza as Jon Lucca and Lloyd Warden, are first rate. They make the movie worth watching, and elevate it above the standard made-for-tv movie faire.
*IT MAKES A FUN DRINKING GAME The ancillary characters are mainly actors and actress that appeared on The X Files (1993). Since they only used quality talent on The X Files (1993), you get that same quality from the side characters here. It also makes for a fun drinking game, everytime you see an actor from The X Files (1993), take a drink! Roger Cross, Gwynyth Walsh, Tom McBeath, Brent Stait, Stephen E. Miller, Carly McKillip, Don MacKay, Campbell Lane, Mikal Dughi, Larry Musser, William B. Davis, Doug Abrahams, Andrew Airlie, Mitchell Kosterman, Jonathan Palis, Pat Bermel, Matt Hill, Alf Humphreys, Don Thompson, Jason Griffith, and Cameron K. Smith all appeared on The X Files (1993).
WHAT DOESN'T WORK: *THE ENDING SUCKS!
The last three minutes of this movie is terrible, and not very realistic. It should have ended at the bridge, not the police station. If it had ended on a lonely bridge, in the rain, that would have been a perfect noir ending. But it doesn't, and it taints the whole movie. The last three minutes cost it a whole star.
TO RECOMMEND, OR NOT TO RECOMMEND, THAT IS THE QUESTION: *If you like fatalistic, dark, slow burns, you'll probably like this. Edward James Olmos and George Dzundza's performances make this worth a watch. Even if you're not a fan of any of those things, you've still got the The X Files (1993) drinking game.
CLOSING NOTES: *This is a made-for-tv movie, please keep that in mind before you watch\rate it. TV movies have a much lower budget, and so your expectations should be adjusted.
*I have no connection to the film, or production in ANY way. I am just an honest viewer, who wishes for more straight forward reviews. Hope I helped you out.
Im friends with one of the actors
Jacey-41 December 1999
First of all, I would just like to say to everyone who has seen this movie, that the actor who played the "Transvestite" Is one of my friends, his name is Robert Dugdale, he's a terrific actor, although it doesn't say much about his filmography, he's been in several plays and musicals. He is currently residing in Terrace B.C. that is where I am from, he comes over to our house almost every saturday *laughs* Okay, now about the movie, I wouldn't recomend this to anyone who HASN'T seen it, for it is not a movie worth watching, the main reason I found it to be a bad movie is it never stays in place, it keeps bouncing back between time, so kinda hard to follow at some points, and second, its really boring *laughs* Although the acting is great, the movie just doesn't compare.
One of the best TV movies
$thing11 September 1999
I usually steer clear of TV movies because of the many ways you know that it's TV movies five seconds into the picture. This one got my attention because of the unusual title and its gloomy, well-crafted mood that is established from the very start. While the ever present rain confirmed my suspicions of a misplaced story (even if claiming to be set in California the movie was largely shot around a stormy Vancouver, B.C.), the dark and oppressive outdoors beautifully complement Olmos' excellent acting.
Failed, but...
Alex-37215 June 2000
Warning: Spoilers
This movie has a lot of problems, and the main concepts of suspense seems to elude the film makers more than the killer does the police.
For instance, The Limbic Region is largely based on the case of the Zodiac Killer, who the viewer knows in advance has never been caught. Problem one.
Secondly, for some strange reasons, minor details of the case are changed, like the gender of the cab driver who gets shot, the name of the killer - Zodiac Killer becomes "The Score Keeper" (is this a Canadian movie or what?), etc.
However, the main fault is that the main character is dying, so it really doesn't matter whether or not he is taking a ride with what could be the killer. The movie also tries to make something of the idea that this self-sacrificing cop could have done the killings himself. He is also valorized too much - a little too much pathos for my taste. And, although the Zodiac Killer was never caught, the ending is rapped up too neatly, ending in a shootout (!) inside a police station where both the cop and his nemesis are neatly killed - the killer by being accidentally hit by one single bullet from the dying, shot cop's gun. Now is that neat or what?
But really, this movie is more about the breakdown of the detective Luca, how he allows this case to become his life, and in the process, loses his wife, his health, his family, and in the end his life, because of his obsession with the case.
Edward James Olmos is a great and charismatic actor, but this movie really lets him down because of it's faults.
It is difficult to make an unconventional movie (in this case, a detective movie where the killer isn't caught) and make it work, and the makers failed.
Nevertheless, I do like the detective/serial killer genre, and if you do too, maybe you'll find The Limbic Region bearable, or even enjoyable.
For instance, The Limbic Region is largely based on the case of the Zodiac Killer, who the viewer knows in advance has never been caught. Problem one.
Secondly, for some strange reasons, minor details of the case are changed, like the gender of the cab driver who gets shot, the name of the killer - Zodiac Killer becomes "The Score Keeper" (is this a Canadian movie or what?), etc.
However, the main fault is that the main character is dying, so it really doesn't matter whether or not he is taking a ride with what could be the killer. The movie also tries to make something of the idea that this self-sacrificing cop could have done the killings himself. He is also valorized too much - a little too much pathos for my taste. And, although the Zodiac Killer was never caught, the ending is rapped up too neatly, ending in a shootout (!) inside a police station where both the cop and his nemesis are neatly killed - the killer by being accidentally hit by one single bullet from the dying, shot cop's gun. Now is that neat or what?
But really, this movie is more about the breakdown of the detective Luca, how he allows this case to become his life, and in the process, loses his wife, his health, his family, and in the end his life, because of his obsession with the case.
Edward James Olmos is a great and charismatic actor, but this movie really lets him down because of it's faults.
It is difficult to make an unconventional movie (in this case, a detective movie where the killer isn't caught) and make it work, and the makers failed.
Nevertheless, I do like the detective/serial killer genre, and if you do too, maybe you'll find The Limbic Region bearable, or even enjoyable.
See also
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