I don’t understand the bad reviews that this movie received. Yes, some of the ’’action’’ scenes were very bloody but that’s why it’s rated for an adult audience. There were moments when the movie seemed to lose its way and drag a little, but maybe that’s because it’s long ( 2 hours!). Overall though, it is an excellent film.
The cast list is full of big names, Kurt Russell, Courtney Cox-Arquette and Kevin Costner in starring rôles but more than adequately supported by Christian Slater, David Arquette and a host of other faces you recognize.
Courtney Cox-Arquette is excellent as the small town country girl, Cybil, a single mother, looking for love in all the wrong places. She’s not as naive as she seems though, and is quite manipulative. Her son (Jesse) is a quick thinking little guy who seems to be something of a pack rat - with other peoples possessions. He idolizes cowboys and just wants to be someones ’’partner’’.
Kurt Russell has just been released from serving five years in jail when he and Cybil share a night of passion, and thus start their involvement with each other. Jesse takes his wallet while he is busy enjoying some bedroom gymnastics.
Murphy (Kevin Costner) is a foul-mouthed, cold-hearted killer, a friend of Michael, who picks him up from the motel the next day. They, and three others, are partners in a scheme to rob a Las Vegas casino during an Elvis convention. Russell’s character, Michael, wants his share so that he can go collect his boat (that his father had left him) and sail away into the sunset.
The five thieves carry out their daring robbery, dressed as Elvis, but only four escape unharmed. The scenes in the casino are extremely violent and bloody - too much (I think) for children - although todays teens might disagree with me and just see it as ’’action’’. They retreat to the motel, not knowing that Jesse is in the bathroom and seeing everything. When Slater’s character argues over the distribution of the cash, Murphy shoots him. In the scrabble to get rid of the body, they leave the money in the attic in the motel room.
All is not as it seems though. Who is double crossing who? When one manages to get back to the motel room, the money is no longer there.
This was a pretty good movie though, and had some excellent old cars - a red Chevy (hubby thinks 57/58/59) - lots of chrome, wings, beautiful. A black Lincoln Continental convertible (62/63). Eye candy for those of us so interested.
The soundtrack was brilliant. Not much Elvis overall, plenty of raunchier cruising type rock and blues throughout. Hard to sit still some of the time or refrain from singing along.
Rent the video, have some mates over and grab a curry or pizza to stem the hunger pangs. Good for a Friday night, if you’re not going out. I’d say keep it away from the kids though, 13’s and up will probably like it but it is rated R for a reason.