MURDER ON THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD is very interesting in that it attempts to present a "film noir" movie in the present. It works for the most part. Unfortunately, in the fast-cut TV/MTV world in which we live, we are not used to handling the (frequently) lingering camera looks and the generally slow unfolding of the story. It needs tighter editing. That said, the acting in most cases is very strong. One wishes that Ross Hagen's direction had matched the strength of his acting. His hard-bitten detective is the epitome of the stereotype, but with a depth of humanity that lifts the portrayal above the mundane. Ken Butler plays the tough-as-nails cop to very good effect. And it was a joy to see Nancy Kwan again! She's as beautiful as ever. The most exciting feature of the film is the cinematography. Gary Craver's photography, lighting and effects are superb, making it a beautiful experience. If you can adjust your viewing and mood to the slow pacing and tempo, this is a beautifully filmed and fun movie to see.

This was a wonderful who-done-it murder mystery that keeps you guessing throughout the film as to who the murderer actually is. The chemistry between actors Ken Butler, playing Detective Joe Patterson, and Ross Hagen, as Joe's former partner and now a P.I., was terrific. The scenery dovetails beautifully with the suspenseful story and helps to create a true sense of the darker side of Hollywood. The music score was also terrific, with its haunting melodies, sleek orchestrations, and a wonderful theme song. What was nice was watching a great murder mystery that didn't have and didn't need any gratuitous sex, violence, or mind numbing chase scenes. This movie was truly wonderful cinematic experience.

One of the great pleasures in life is to spend a lazy afternoon with a good mystery book in hands and a bowl of peanuts in front of you. Spending a couple of hours with "Murder on the yellow brick road" and a bowl of popcorn was in the same league. The movie is made in a best tradition of "Hollywood of my youth" and, importantly, not only for old-timers like me but also for anybody who loves good old fashioned murder mystery. The story is good, straightforward, and easy to follow. Ross Hagen and Ken Butler in leading roles, as well as supporting cast give great and memorable performances. The absence of violence, nudity, and foul language is certainly refreshing and makes the movie even more pleasurable. The music is great. If you ask me – go for it!!!!!

There are many reasons to watch a movie, and whereas this is certainly not the high-gloss content that comes out of the major studios, it's special as an independent film, well-textured with interesting performances from strong character actors - especially Byrne Offut and Mark Bramhall - and full of unexpected turns by well-known performers. We all knew Nancy Kwan when she was a young, surprising starlet - but here she is again to surprise us as a vapid manipulator of young women. PJ Soles takes hold of a sleeper role, quiet and unimportant throughout most of the film, and then steals the show when she crescendos. Charlene Fernetz glistens. Ken Butler crackles. Ross Hagen burns slowly like a good cigar. It's definitely an indie - but an indie in which good actors get hold of some interesting content, do their thing, and do it well.