Lorimar Productions
Bad Ronald was a TV movie released in 1974 and was directed by Buzz Kulik. When a film features a character murdering someone and trying to hide from the law, Bad Ronald is the worst example of it. Scott Jacoby stars as Ronald Wilby, a quiet high school student who is dependent on his mother. Ronald finds himself in trouble when he kills a teenage girl by accident. His mother (Kim Hunter) has this crazy idea to turn their downstairs bathroom into a room where he can hide out in. Ronald’s mother is already sick and when she passes, it leaves Ronald by himself in the house when a new family moves in.
Review
Bad Ronald is simply bad. Ronald’s mother’s idea to have him occupy himself in their downstairs restroom turned bedroom felt like a quick idea that wasn’t given much thought. The movie has such a fast pace going for it that you question everyone’s decisions throughout the film. Jacoby gives a stiff performance as Ronald and often over acts when it comes to some of the climatic moments in the film. Hunter isn’t any better as Ronald’s mom. Her quick decision-making makes me believe that she was a terrible mother. Since the film was short, I never cared about her relationship with her son. After Ronald’s mother passes away, which offered ZERO emotions, the film lacks any excitement as Ronald is hiding himself in the new family’s house. The film ended on an abrupt note and felt anti-climactic.
Video
For a TV film from the 70s, the Blu-ray transfer looks decent. The video quality is clear, and any dirt is wiped away. The film itself isn’t very bright but the colors offered in the film such as the 70s outfits and Ronald’s hideaway are vibrant. The film feels contained within its locations, so there aren’t many visuals to be amazed by, but for what it is, it is fine.
Audio
One of the elements I appreciated about the film was the score. The moments of tension provide eerie music that seems like it is borrowed from a slasher film. With it being a film made for TV, there are times the film does seem incredibly quiet when it should not be. Most of the film’s bigger moments come at the beginning and the end of the film and the audio could have benefited from the volume being a bit louder.
Special Features
There are no special features for this Blu-ray release.
Overview
I like the premise of Bad Ronald more than the film. The idea is a mysterious one that wasn’t executed well. There were several plot holes and the film felt way too quick. Both Jacoby and Hunter gave performances that made their characters feel thin. The decision to hide Ronald in the house was a poor one and I kept thinking of better ways that could have handled the situation throughout the film. This film is recommended only for fans of the TV movie or the curious.
Warner Archive generously provided Hotchka with the Blu-ray for reviewing purposes.
Lorimar Productions
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