Is Desperate Hours Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Desperate Hours is likely a skip if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 105 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Desperate Hours Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1990, Desperate Hours emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller, Crime domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of An escaped con, on the run from the law, moves into a married couple's house and takes over their lives. Unlike standard genre fare, Desperate Hours attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Desperate Hours features a noteworthy lineup led by Mickey Rourke . Supported by the likes of Anthony Hopkins and Mimi Rogers , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Desperate Hours (1990) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Desperate Hours Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Desperate Hours is a Thriller, Crime film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Desperate Hours Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Desperate Hours attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Desperate Hours reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Desperate Hours Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Desperate Hours incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a thriller, crime film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Desperate Hours adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Desperate Hours?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Thriller films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Desperate Hours Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $18.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.7M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Desperate Hours Budget
The estimated production budget for Desperate Hours is $18.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Desperate Hours
- Mickey Rourke – Michael Bosworth
- Anthony Hopkins – Tim Cornell
- Mimi Rogers – Nora Cornell
- Lindsay Crouse – Brenda Chandler
- Kelly Lynch – Nancy Breyers
Top Highlights
Mickey RourkeMichael Bosworth
Anthony HopkinsTim Cornell
Mimi RogersNora Cornell
Lindsay CrouseBrenda Chandler
Kelly LynchNancy Breyers
Elias KoteasWally Bosworth
David MorseAlbert
Shawnee SmithMay Cornell
Danny GerardZack Cornell
Gerry BammanEd Tallent
Where to Watch Desperate Hours Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MGM Plus Amazon ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
Desperate Hours is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.4/10, and global collection metrics, Desperate Hours stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1990 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Desperate Hours movie hit or flop?
Desperate Hours has received mixed reviews with a 5.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Desperate Hours worth watching?
Desperate Hours is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Thriller, Crime movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Desperate Hours online?
Desperate Hours is currently available for streaming on MGM Plus Amazon Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like MGM Plus Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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How Desperate Hours Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Desperate Hours
_**A Tarantino flick before they existed**_ An intelligent sociopathic convict (Mickey Rourke) escapes custody in Salt Lake City and meets up with his brother (Elias Koteas) and their hulking, dull-witted collaborator (David Morse). They need a place to hide out until the mastermind’s defense lawyer can catch up with them (Kelly Lynch) and so randomly choose the Cornell’s abode in the suburbs due to its "For Sale" sign (Anthony Hopkins & Mimi Rogers). “Desperate Hours” (1990) is a quirky crime thriller by Michael Cimino that updates the book/play/movie from 1954-55. Some people don't 'get' this flick. It walks the balance beam between seriousness and parody or black humor. Lindsay Crouse's amusingly over-the-top FBI chief is a good example. The two random college girls in ridiculously short shorts is another, not to mention the big lug thug in clothes covered with blood stains. What "Timmy" (Hopkins) does to a certain character at the end is yet another. Then there's the incongruous orchestral score by David Mansfield. Remember, director Michael Cimino's first movie was "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot" (1974), a Tarantino flick two decades before he shot to fame with “Pulp Fiction.” Like those films and “The Gauntlet” (1977), “Desperate Hours” is quasi-believable mixed with glaring exaggerations. For instance, remember the shot-to-hell house collapsing in “Gauntlet”? It’s similar with this one, just a little more low-key. Shawnee Smith was 20 during shooting and looks great as the 15 year-old daughter. Meanwhile Brittney Lewis and Lise Wilburn play the aforementioned “college girls.” Shorts like theirs wouldn’t come into style until almost 40 years later. The movie runs 1 hour, 46 minutes, and was shot in Utah: Salt Lake City, Echo Junction, Orem, Zion, and Capitol Reef; as well as Telluride, Colorado. GRADE: B
OK, it's not Bogie. Let's get that out of the way from the start. People are going to hate this on principal because it doesn't have Bogart in it... ...and that is fair. People like me are also going to hate this out the door not only because it doesn't have Bogie in it but also because it is a remake... ...and that is also a fair hate. but if you get beyond that, it is really an entertaining thriller in the strictest late 80s early 90s thriller sense and just as flawed as all of them from that era. Artistically, it's really an 80s stock thriller with 90s cinematography. Neither bad nor good. Neither terrible nor great. However, it is an entertaining movie to watch, it's gripping and thrilling enough to keep you in a good mood whilst watching it...so 10 stars. So long as a movie entertains, it did it's job. This was watchable and entertaining.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
