It boasted an all star cast: Albert Finney, the alluring Susan Dey, a brooding James Coburn.

An intriguing script from author/director Michael Crichton. It promised cutting edge design, and solid production values.

But unfortunately, aside from a half-hearted glimpse into the technology of the future, Looker never really fulfills its potential.

The story: Dr. Larry Roberts (Finney) is a plastic surgeon who nips and tucks the world's most beautiful fashion models into perfection.

But when his famed clients begin to die mysteriously - one by one - Larry suspects there may be more at work here than just your average slash-n-stab serial killer.

Could it all have something to do with a strange ad company called Digital Matrix, run by wealthy and eccentric John Reston (Coburn)?

Larry teams up with lovely client Cindy (Dey) to investigate the mystery...before more pretties die.

This 1981 sci fi thriller is no Coma (1978).

Finney and Dey are pros, and they give the material their all; but there's a cluttered, unfocused feel to Looker.

Crichton's trademark theme of technology usurping mankind is nicely featured here, but there's a dispassionate breeziness to Looker that makes us indifferent to whether man succeeds or fails this time.