Face Value (2001)

Face Value Poster

To help out a friend, and to enjoy a glamorous and fast-paced life for awhile, a guy assumes the identity of his busy and mysterious friend...and ends up being pursued by murderous drug dealers.

Film Overview
"Face Value", directed by Michael Miller, is a 2001 tv movie that checks out the intricacy of human relationships and the problems of identity and individual worth. The movie script for the film was written by Les Alexander, Rob Gilmer, and Claire Montgomery, excellent storytellers who cleverly broach the intrigue of individuality and duplicity. The film features Scott Baio and Krista Allen in leading roles, combined with James Wilder and Sandra Hess in supporting roles.

Plot
The essence of the film includes two dominant characters, Barry and Elaine, represented by Scott Baio and Krista Allen, respectively. Barry is an average middle-aged guy dealing with the dullness of his routine life. His world takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Elaine, a gorgeous woman who embroils him in a scenario beyond his understanding.

Elaine, on the other hand, is an undercover representative on a mission to uncover and penetrate a fatal criminal company. She inexplicably disappears after their initial encounter, leaving a watch with engraved guidelines. When Barry discovers Elaine missing out on, he chooses to follow the engraved ideas on the watch and help Elaine in her mission.

Key Themes
"Face Value" weaves a story around the styles of self-discovery and transformation, as the average guy, Barry, gets swept into the world of covert operations and high-stakes criminal activity. The film displays his advancement from a normal male into a prospective hero. At the exact same time, the plot plays on the intricacies of mistaken identities, controls, and the frequently blurred lines between impression and real identity.

Character Development

Scott Baio outstandingly represents Barry's change convincingly. He is at first revealed as a common, disgruntled guy, disappointed with the banality of his life, but ultimately finds guts and resolve in the middle of threat. Similarly, Krista Allen brings a depth to Elaine's character, depicting her as clever, strategic, and resourceful, and yet deeply enigmatic. Beneath the veneer of durability, she has a sense of vulnerability that perfectly contrasts her strong and brave persona.

On the other side, the characters played by James Wilder and Sandra Hess are the film's villains who provide required dispute and risk to push forward Barry's transformation in the middle of the high-stakes criminal offense world.

Climax
The movie's climax includes a hazardous confrontation with the criminal organization and a definitive minute where Barry must decide in between returning to his old life or embracing this newfound reality. The movie ends on a poignant note, basically questioning the principle of self and the lengths one would go to understand their worth.

Concluding Thoughts
The blend of action, drama, and emotion in "Face Value" makes it a compelling story, other than a couple of cheesy moments. Despite that, the gripping storyline and emphatic performances by the stars make it a movie worth watching. Filled with suspense, secret, and unanticipated twists, this film dives deep into the expedition of identity and self-realization.

Top Cast

  • Scott Baio (small)
    Scott Baio
    Barry Rengler
  • Krista Allen (small)
    Krista Allen
    Syd Deshaye
  • James Wilder (small)
    James Wilder
    Tim Gates
  • Sandra Hess (small)
    Sandra Hess
    Cat Nelson
  • Tracey Walter (small)
    Tracey Walter
    Leon Gates
  • Richard Whiten (small)
    Richard Whiten
    Vic Pennington
  • Martin Papazian (small)
    Martin Papazian
    Dean
  • Michael Dorn (small)
    Michael Dorn
    Hitman
  • Todd Susman (small)
    Todd Susman
    Lt. Martin
  • David DeSantos (small)
    David DeSantos
    Vincent
  • Patrick St. Esprit (small)
    Patrick St. Esprit
    Agent Edwards