NIGHT TRAIN TO VENICE

NIGHT TRAIN TO VENICE Hugh Grant, Tahnee Welch (1993, LIVE, R, priced for rental) Released in an attempt to squeeze a few more dollars from the ascendancy of Grant (whose face looms large on the box), this pretentious, dogmatic German-made ''thriller'' is off-putting from the opening frames, a mosaic of portentous images of danger and death. Director Carlo U. Quinterio shadowboxes his way through the chaotic yet inert story of an anti-Nazi expose writer (Grant) and his new love (Welch), who manage to avoid a gang of bellicose skinheads and a Mephistophelian stranger (Malcolm McDowell). Fortunately for Grant's career, he's charismatic enough to float above the cryptic, flat dialogue, even during the excruciatingly dumb love scenes. Don't even think of boarding this Train. D

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