wonderful DC thriller
Added 1/27/2010
I saw this while I was a student of government. Not only was I fascinated by its subtle portrayals of careers and politics, but loved the thriller drama. It is a pity that many reviewers here discuss the details, revealing the twists and secrets as clever film craft. If you know them before you see it, the experience is seriously compromised.
The story revolves around a savvy naval officer who is making his career (or so we assume). Costner is perfect for the role. He meets a smart, cynical young courtisane - the phenomenal Sean Young in her prime - and they start to see each other; she desperately tries to manage their relationship as her life is falling apart, but bigger forces are at work. Together, this puts him smack in the middle of some complex and very dangerous intrigue, to say the least. There are big pols, ambitious bureaucrats, assassins, and innocents in the way of fire, culminating in a chase for criminals. Finally, there are completely unexpected levels that add to the adrenalin rush. Truly great entertainment.
The amazing thing about the film is how believable it all is, especially given the context in which it was released: the Iran-Contra scandal had just broken, complete with sleazy maneuvering by Oliver North. Seeing it now, the film has aged about as much as I did. It seems almost retro, if not crude, however well the suspense still works. All I can say is, I am glad I did not spend my career in DC!
Warmly recommended.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
No Way Out
Added 7/15/2009
I am a big fan of Gene Hackman and own a lot of his movies. This is not his best one but, I would put it in the top 25%. Hackman plays his role in a high level Government scandal very well. Good intrigue, but an age-old theme of murder and cover-up.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
great 80's costner flick!
Added 5/29/2009
one of costner's best films. great story line, intrigue, drama, tension & mystery with a cool twist at the end. definitely worth the purchase as the TV version is nearly cut in half.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
end of the cold war pentagon drama
Added 3/16/2009
Asked direct an investigation to find himself, this reminds of the real spy story that came out later; the young Navy officer has an affair with the wrong girl and it ends up in the deaths of several people who are his friends. A early Costner film with Sean Young as a beautiful female lead, this film has very good acting and the plot doesn't disappoint.
And their is a very strange twist at the very end...
0 out of 1 people found this helpful.
|
Winds Up as a Good Political Thriller
Added 3/1/2009
This is an updated version of Edward G. Robinson's classic film noir "The Big Clock" - with perhaps a little bit of Alan Ladd's "Glass Key" thrown in. Those originals were better, but this isn't a bad movie. It has its own angles to offer.
The movie doesn't start with much promise. Kevin Costner and his military buddies aren't very sympathetic as they rowdy their way through foreign ports. But as Costner changes gears and is shown really caring about the lead woman in the film - we consequently really begin to care about him. We become involved as he gets enmeshed in the increasingly deadly machinations of some Washington politicos.
The biggest reason to watch "No Way Out" though is its performances. Gene Hackman is intimidating as a ruthless politician. Howard Duff caps his career as the tough guy you wouldn't want to cross. But the acting prize in this film goes to Will Patton who creates the character of an unctuous, toadying villain - willing to go to any lengths.
So if the beginning of this movie seems a little lame to you, I suggest you stick with it. Things get treacherous and taut - as one escape route after another is barred.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
wonderful DC thriller
Added 1/27/2010
I saw this while I was a student of government. Not only was I fascinated by its subtle portrayals of careers and politics, but loved the thriller drama. It is a pity that many reviewers here discuss the details, revealing the twists and secrets as clever film craft. If you know them before you see it, the experience is seriously compromised.
The story revolves around a savvy naval officer who is making his career (or so we assume). Costner is perfect for the role. He meets a smart, cynical young courtisane - the phenomenal Sean Young in her prime - and they start to see each other; she desperately tries to manage their relationship as her life is falling apart, but bigger forces are at work. Together, this puts him smack in the middle of some complex and very dangerous intrigue, to say the least. There are big pols, ambitious bureaucrats, assassins, and innocents in the way of fire, culminating in a chase for criminals. Finally, there are completely unexpected levels that add to the adrenalin rush. Truly great entertainment.
The amazing thing about the film is how believable it all is, especially given the context in which it was released: the Iran-Contra scandal had just broken, complete with sleazy maneuvering by Oliver North. Seeing it now, the film has aged about as much as I did. It seems almost retro, if not crude, however well the suspense still works. All I can say is, I am glad I did not spend my career in DC!
Warmly recommended.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
No Way Out
Added 7/15/2009
I am a big fan of Gene Hackman and own a lot of his movies. This is not his best one but, I would put it in the top 25%. Hackman plays his role in a high level Government scandal very well. Good intrigue, but an age-old theme of murder and cover-up.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
great 80's costner flick!
Added 5/29/2009
one of costner's best films. great story line, intrigue, drama, tension & mystery with a cool twist at the end. definitely worth the purchase as the TV version is nearly cut in half.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
