Barry Corbin – Cut To The Chase

Directed By: Steve Rash

Written By: Jeff Easton

Story By: Erik Fleming and Jeff Easton

Concept By: Greg Edwards

Cinematography: David A. Makin

Editor: Jonathan Chibnall

Cast: Jamie Foxx, Nia Long, Barry Corbin, John Collum, Michael Shamus Wiles, Eduardo Yanez, Julie Hagerty, Sarah Paulson, Roselyn Sanchez. Dalton James, Jake Busey, Natalia Cigliuti, Gary Owen

What should have been a romantic getaway turns into one hilarious debacle after another when Michael’s woman dumps him in the desert where he gets carjacked by a teenager and he is taken hostage in a stickup at the local Sip and Zip.

I have seen this movie more times than I have wanted to. As this was a movie they played at the movie theater I worked at in my 20’s and stayed around for quite a few weeks.

This film showed Jamie Foxx was a major talent and needed better scripts because he is obviously better than the material he is working with here.

The film is likable enough though the cast prospers over the simplistic and silly script. As they are all willing and energetic to throw themselves into it.

The film is a low-grade comedic prejudicial tale with a hostage situation in the middle of it.

What’s worse is that it doesn’t even necessarily work to Jamie Foxx’s strengths. Whereas you could’ve put anybody in this role if anything, it shows somewhat range for Jamie Foxx that he can play more of a straight comedic role rather than be over-the-top comedic.

The film is watchable as every few minutes it throws in a joke or gag to keep it lively and cute. Even if at heart the situations of the film revolve around expectations, stereotypes, and racism.

While it is made for an urban audience where the Caucasian characters are more like yokels.

The film isn’t much to look at visually. The look is usually dull and lacks style but works for the limits of the material and locations.

As the film definitely wants to be more of a comedy with a star at its center yet offers a kind of ensemble all around. Though it’s never quite specific so that it keeps seeming to try to swing and sometimes it gets to hit but it’s never quite a homer. It strikes out more times than it plans.

Jamie Foxx seemed stuck in these types of movies. This is more a starter starring movie but was the type he kept being offered that was more grade-C material. Not even B material that they should have been getting at the time. As he was a proven talent. In other words, while he makes it work. The filmmakers could have cast anyone in the role. He just so happens to make it more his own. As he is the most impressive aspect of the movie. Luckily eventually Hollywood would give him a chance and he just kept running with it after to bigger and better.

Grade: C

Directed By: Dennis Hopper
Written By: Nona Tyson & Charles Williams
Based on The book “ HELL HATH NO FURY” by: Charles Williams
Cinematography: Ueli Steiger
Editor: Wende Phifer Mate

Cast: Don Johnson, Virginia Madsen, Jennifer Connolly, Willam Sadler, Barry Corbin, Charles Martin Smith, Leon Rippy, Jack Nance, Jerry Hardin, Virgil Frye

Upon arriving at a small town, a drifter quickly gets into trouble with the local authorities – and the local women – after he robs a bank.

This is one of those films I have heard about over the years that has gained a certain reputation. As for some, it’s a lost classic for others it might be an overhyped potboiler.

The film seems to be slow as the story is revealed in what feels like real-time. Which could feel monotonous for some audience Members, but actually works for the film. Not only as a slow burn but leaves the audience to kindly walk in the shoes of the characters. Never quite knowing what is going to happen next or the next shoe is going to drop.

As we go throughout of course this is a noir tale that feels familiar. As we recognize the types but still offers surprises. As to the depths of certain characters and the ever-present blackmailing of characters.

Though from the outset it seems obvious who is going to fall into bed with whom. As the obvious more attractive members of the cast are set. Showing who are the true stars of the film. They work in their roles but can’t say they subtly appear with the rest of the cast.

As director Dennis Hopper has so much talent in front of the camera and behind. Filled with plenty of character actors who more set the scenes even though they don’t have much to do but be there and be witnesses to the actions going on around them.

This fits into noir more comfortably as it is a cynical film where the more innocent characters are either made to suffer or are natural-born victims. Whereas the more deprived characters seem to be the more successful ones and the ones the film and more interest in as more naturally they are more interesting even if they all don’t make it to the end.

The film has the aura of the type of film you would find for straight to cable or straight to how. Video in it’s days of release. That is how it was more discovered after being a box office bomb. Though it clearly deserved more credit than that.

While the film certainly feels dirty and sleazy. it never quite feels as erotic or sexy as it should. That element while here and strong, especially As Virginia Madsen scorches the screen and has one of her finest performances. As a character who could easily have been cliche but offers up some surprises. It never feels like it rises to the occasion.

As it feels though, a driving force to the story oddly secondary and more means to an end. It’s necessary but not concentrated and maybe Dennis hopper as a known hedonist decided to try to pull back a little and focus on performances.

Strangely Dennis Hopper directed movies other than EASY RIDER & OUT OF THE BLUE. Always come off as sterile to a degree which includes this one. Though that might be out of expectations considering the man and his legacy. His later directed films seem more sedate as they slowly come from wilder independent to oddly more mainstream studio films.

Jennifer Connolly plays the young innocent who is hiding her own secrets though also pulls at the heartstrings of the amoral drifter. Who he kind of see’s as his salvation or someone for him to rescue. As she seems usually In over her head or taken advantage of. Though in this film there is no denying her talent or her beauty.

As here he makes no short cuts or quick cuts. It feels kind of old school. As when these types of stories are brought to the big screen. Commonly they either play slick like they are smarter than the audience or believe the audience knows all the cliches so they offer more a sense of humor or spin on them or they tighten the narrative and scenes so much that each one feels either rushed or full of tension even when there doesn’t need to be.

This takes its time and still offers up its own little surprises as well as what is expected.

Grade: C+

Tag: Barry Corbin

HELD UP (1999)

THE HOT SPOT (1990)