A Shock to the System (1990)

77% of critics liked it
(13 reviews)
56% of users liked it
(1,712 ratings)

Shock to the System is a black comedy about a middle-aged advertising executive (Michael Caine) who loses his long-awaited promotion to a younger man (Peter Reigret). In frustration, Caine accidentally pushes a panhandler in front of a subway train--and he gets away with the death. Realizing that… More Shock to the System is a black comedy about a middle-aged advertising executive (Michael Caine) who loses his long-awaited promotion to a younger man (Peter Reigret). In frustration, Caine accidentally pushes a panhandler in front of a subway train--and he gets away with the death. Realizing that committing murder might be a little easier than he previously had thought, he begins plotting the murder of several of his corporate enemies. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 28 min.
Directed By: Jan Egleson
Genres: Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Comedy

In Theaters: Mar 23, 1990 Wide
On DVD: May 25, 2004
Studio: HBO Video

Critic Reviews

Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
A brilliantly modulated, witty and nasty black comedy.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A Shock to the System shows what happens in the office when cutthroat competition becomes the norm.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Okay black comic thriller. Nothing too special.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Christopher B

I hardly remember anything about this film except I loved it. I'd really like to see this one again.

Cast

            Michael Caine as Graham Marshall

            Elizabeth McGovern as Stella Anderson

            Peter Riegert as Robert Benham

            Swoosie Kurtz as Leslie Marshall

            Will Patton as Lieutenant Laker

            Jenny Wright as Melanie O'Connor

            John McMartin as George Brewster

            Barbara Baxley as Lillian

            Haviland Morris as Tara Liston

            Philip Moon as Henry Park

            Scotty Bloch as Secretary

            Kent Broadhurst as Executive

            Mike Cicchetti as Beggar in Subway

            Rik Colitti as Bum

            Mia Dillon as Graham's Secretary

            Jim Dratfield as Additional Dialogue

            John Finn as Motorman

            Garry Goodrow as Additional Dialogue

            Zach Grenier as Executive

            Alice Haining as Benham's Secretary

            Alicia Hoge as Secretary

            Samuel L. Jackson as Ulysses

            Tyrone Jackson as Messenger

            David Kramer as Additional Dialogue

            Patience Moore as Wanda Maas

            Elizabeth Morin as Partygoer

            Rick Petrucelli as Beggar

            Angela Pietropinto as Additional Dialogue

            Socorro Santiago as Rental Car Attendant

            Sam Schacht as David Jones

            David Schramm as Executive

            Craig Sechler as Additional Dialogue

            Sheila Stainback as News Anchor Woman

            Mike Starr as Bum

            Kim Staunton as Secretary

            Sylvia Marie as Waitress/Dazzles

            Victor Truro as Bum

            Welker White as Kennel Driver

            Darrell Wilks as Mailroom Boy

            Joe Zaloom as Hot Dog Vendor

            Christopher Durang as Convention Speaker

            Frank Ferrara as Cab Driver

            Fred Ephraim as Additional Dialogue

            Mary Colquhoun
            
            Miguel Pérez as Transit Cop

            John Freeman as Decorator
See full cast