I honestly expected something more from this film. The script is based on interesting premises and has everything to create a pleasant atmosphere of suspense, with touches of romance and action, but I felt that the film has no impulse or depth, lacking impact with the audience. It is too light, and we watched it without thinking too much.
The script is based on a love triangle between two childhood friends, one of whom, Mac, is a former drug dealer and the other, Frescia, an agent in the Narcotics Division. They are both interested in Jo Ann, the manager of an Italian restaurant they used to go. But the chief of police is convinced that Mac is not out of the drug business and he's preparing a visit of a powerful drug barom for a big deal. So, Frescia decides to involve Jo Ann, and ask him to spy on Mac, while trying to take advantage of the situation to seduce her.
The film relies heavily on dialogue and cast's performance. And there is no doubt that dialogues were very well made. The main actors are also good and leaved us an excellent work, particularly Michelle Pfeiffer and Mel Gibson, who build a truly enviable chemistry. Kurt Russell is also very good, although he is not able to meet with his colleagues, who almost throw him into the gloom. On the other side, Raul Julia barely gave life to a caricature, given that he limited himself to follow the list of Latin stereotypes: histrionic, he speaks loudly, screams and exaggerates in the demonstrations of affectivity.
Technically, the film has an excellent cinematography and filming work, which earned it its single Oscar nomination. The influence of noir is quite clear in this film. The scenario is complete when we consider the regular effects, the good sets and costumes and a dated soundtrack, not very elegant and worthy to be left in the forgetfulness where it fell.
The script is based on a love triangle between two childhood friends, one of whom, Mac, is a former drug dealer and the other, Frescia, an agent in the Narcotics Division. They are both interested in Jo Ann, the manager of an Italian restaurant they used to go. But the chief of police is convinced that Mac is not out of the drug business and he's preparing a visit of a powerful drug barom for a big deal. So, Frescia decides to involve Jo Ann, and ask him to spy on Mac, while trying to take advantage of the situation to seduce her.
The film relies heavily on dialogue and cast's performance. And there is no doubt that dialogues were very well made. The main actors are also good and leaved us an excellent work, particularly Michelle Pfeiffer and Mel Gibson, who build a truly enviable chemistry. Kurt Russell is also very good, although he is not able to meet with his colleagues, who almost throw him into the gloom. On the other side, Raul Julia barely gave life to a caricature, given that he limited himself to follow the list of Latin stereotypes: histrionic, he speaks loudly, screams and exaggerates in the demonstrations of affectivity.
Technically, the film has an excellent cinematography and filming work, which earned it its single Oscar nomination. The influence of noir is quite clear in this film. The scenario is complete when we consider the regular effects, the good sets and costumes and a dated soundtrack, not very elegant and worthy to be left in the forgetfulness where it fell.