Billy Bob Thorton is a very talented man. Not only is he a fine actor, but he is a very good screenwriter. Bill Paxton and Michael Beach give fine performances in support of Thorton. But it is the screenplay, the shot sequences and the atmosphere of the film that are the real stars. This is a first-rate crime drama with all the bells and whistles. Paxton is very believable as a hick cop who tries to run with the pros from LA. And he is more than up to the task.
I did have trouble, however, buying into Thorton as a sleazy, bloodthirsty lowlife, and was not buying him as a romantic interest for a young beautiful woman with a brain. The character of Fantasia, played by Cynda WIlliams was well-defined, but I just could not buy her being attracted to Thorton's sleazeball character. Beach's character, on the other hand, was letter perfect. Don't miss this finely crafted piece of noir.
I did have trouble, however, buying into Thorton as a sleazy, bloodthirsty lowlife, and was not buying him as a romantic interest for a young beautiful woman with a brain. The character of Fantasia, played by Cynda WIlliams was well-defined, but I just could not buy her being attracted to Thorton's sleazeball character. Beach's character, on the other hand, was letter perfect. Don't miss this finely crafted piece of noir.