Control (2004) - 7 stars out of 10

Control (2004) - 7 stars out of 10

"Control" was a pleasant direct-to-video surprise!  With Willem Dafoe and Ray Liotta giving raw, realistic performances, it was easy for this story to develop with intensity and intrigue.  The world of lab testing is unknown to the general populous and this film questions the risks that are likely taken to determine the success of a new medication.  The key to this film is Liotta who is a VERY bad guy but, through his transformation, becomes and instant hero.  Not only will you be pulling for him to succeed, the writers successfully create a lot of frustration when all characters assume that he is up to no good.  The action is great and the story takes some interesting turns, making it hard to believe that this film went straight to video; in fact, it gives this film a pleasant surprise factor because you have to assume the worst with direct-to-video films.