In truth, any opportunity to see the film on the big screen is welcome.

The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

As other reviewers have mentioned: This made for TV film is a pilot for a TV series that never materialized nor is this film in any way a part of the "Psycho" franchise. This has become a stand alone "fanboy" type of film - so I've heard.I DO NOT recommend this film to fans of the "Psycho" film series nor would I recommend this film to fans of comedy films. Watch this film ONLY out of curiosity and do not expect anything near the "Psycho" film series because this is far, far away from them. There are only very loose connections to the "Psycho" franchise.Several things wrong with this film: It's not funny (I only got a couple of laughs out of it in the beginning), irritating characters, and the story does not make any since at all - the whole "1950s" thing with the ghost saving the woman's life should have been left out of this film - would have been much better with out it.I got this film via Amazon in the "4-Movie Midnight Marathon Pack: Psychos" - a worthwhile collection even though I am not fond of "Bates Motel"... it's still worth having in a Psycho collection for the sheer novelty of it.3/10

Hmmm...what would Norman Bates say about 'Bates Motel?' Perhaps, "We all go a little mad sometimes." Except I really don't think it was all that crazy to give the TV audience a taste of Psycho. I have to admit, I've been fascinated with the character since the first time I saw Psycho in the '80s and I loved the crazy sequels that followed. I also liked Jason Bateman as an actor (still do). However, I think this show was somewhat doomed from the start. I think it's hilarious that 25+ years later, I am hooked on the 'Bates Motel' TV series, which is better because I think a prequel is a better way to go. You know what they say about hindsight though. In any event, I'd like to see this again as I only saw this version in 1987. I think in light of the fact that the new show on A&E has done so well, why not show it for giggles? I'm sure Anthony Perkins won't mind...now.

"This place ain't no motel..it's a burial ground."What's most interesting about director Richard Rothstein's Bates Motel(..besides the fact that it was actually a proposed television pilot for a series which has something to do with why it's practically impossible to find without the proper resources)is how his script(he also wrote the screenplay)disregards the other sequels, adapting a separate story from the series where Norman never left the asylum, with amiable, lovable geek Bud Cort inheriting the Bates Motel from him because of their close relationship together inside the place. So Bud gets out, heads for Fairvale, procures a loan to renovate, and the Bates Motel is open for business once again. But, of course, such a grand decision hits a snag when an ominous presence maintains around the property. Rothstein's story puts more emphasis on the setting unlike the movies which focused on Norman Bates and the situational developments which surrounded him.There's a lighthearted side to this movie which differs from the darker nature of the series, and you can see how those involved in Bates Motel, the production, wanted to capitalize on the iconic status of Psycho without exploring the sub-textual material which made Norman such an intriguing character. Bud is as innocent and gentle as a lamb, and you never, once, consider him a threat to anyone. We witness how circumstances arise as construction continues(..such as the skeletal remains of Norman's parents, the sinister figure of a lady in black turning up to give Alex the willies)perhaps offering spooky warnings against reopening the Bates.The cast sure is an interesting group assembled. Lori Petty is her usual perky, spunky self, attempting to educate Alex(Cort)on life outside the enclosed environment he once lived. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed her interaction with Cort's Alex, because she has pep and fire and he needs that kind of strength. And, the fact that she has nowhere to go, having lived in the Bates Motel as a squatter, only provides for reason for her to vocally worm her way into his good graces, by forming a wedge between Alex and those which might take advantage of his meager nature. Moses Gunn is an old timer whose house is to be bulldozed over due to progress(..condos and suburban communities), for which Alex seeks as a contractor to help build Bates back into a properly running establishment. Gunn brings a veteran presence that actually helps things along. Gregg Henry also shows up as a bank executive who provides Alex with a loan to build the Bates back to prominence.While I do find the idea of building a continuing story around the Bates house and motel an interesting idea, without it's emotional core, Norman, I'm just not sure it could ever have taken off, despite the noble efforts of the cast to make it work.Introduced towards the end of the pilot movie is aerobics instructor Barbara(..she's introduced by a matchmaker to a young Jason Bateman), a product of three failed marriages, no children, and lost dreams, desiring to be an author, contemplating suicide, renting a room at the Bates, and you can see, conceptually, what Rothstein was up to..the series would have those from all walks of life popping up at the Bates, perhaps seeking new leases on life. Kids, right out of the 50's, show up to rent rooms and party at the Bates, but there's a specific purpose for their presence and it concerns Barbara. This is rather an intrusion into the story-line regarding Alex, but, as I mentioned before, it seems to be here as a method for future potential episodes regarding characters who might stop by the Bates. The final minutes, regarding someone responsible for attempting to spook Alex away from the Bates, is executed rather clumsily. I will say that it was nice seeing this again after all these years..I hadn't seen it since the night it aired!

This was as scary as the first Psycho movie made in 1960, with Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles and John Gavin. It was full of suspense. A young guy Bud Cort, took Norman Bates wish, after his death in his will, to have the Bates Motel and Mother's House. The Psychiatrist thought it would be good. He did go and with help from a young girl named Willie and Moses Guinn helped him restore the Bates Motel. The young lad had financial trouble. However this Banker was trying to scare him away from the Bates Motel. Dressing as Norman Bates Mother and telling him scary stuff, about a murder that took place years ago. At the end the Banker got caught with some help from Willie she came in dressed as Mrs. Bates and got a confession. After all the excitement was over Bud got to keep the Motel. Norman Bates house behind the motel, should be made into an attraction for visitors. Make it into a Bed and Breakfast, your not going to get stabbed. It should be on the historical register.