Tequila Sunrise (1988) User Reviews (110)

A Tale Of Loyalties & Conflicts

[seymourblack-1 · 7/10 · 31 October 2012]

"Tequila Sunrise" is a glossy, star-studded, crime drama in which romance, humour and action all figure prominently but it's the intriguing natures of its characters that provide the movie's greatest strength. These people are not to be taken at face value as their motivations are often complicated by internal and external conflicts that emerge because of issues concerned with their most valued personal relationships and situations that test their levels of commitment, loyalty and trust to the absolute maximum.

Dale "Mac" McKussic (Mel Gibson) and Detective Lieutenant Nick Frescia (Kurt Russell) have been close friends since their high school days but pressure has been brought to bear on their friendship in recent years because they've been working on different sides of the law. Mac, who has recently retired from dealing in drugs, is finding it hard to distance himself from the business as the loss of income involved is causing problems with his estranged wife and this, in turn, could jeopardise the amount of time he gets to spend with his young son. Furthermore, his cousin Gregg (Arliss Howard) is continually pressing him to get involved in some new deals and his long-time friend, a Mexican drug dealer called Carlos, wants him to take part in a very lucrative scheme that he's currently working on.

Nick's loyalty to Mac and his obvious unwillingness to arrest him has created tensions in his police work in the past but if Mac has not genuinely retired, then it could transpire that Nick would have no other choice than to arrest him in the near future, especially as his department has received information about a major shipment of drugs that Carlos intends to bring in to L.A. Agent Hal Maguire (J T Walsh) of the Drug Enforcement Agency works closely with Nick and is convinced that Mac is still dealing. The differing attitudes that these men have towards Mac's activities is the cause of continuous conflict between them.

Mac and Nick both fall for the beautiful owner of a high class Italian restaurant. Jo Ann Vallenari (Michelle Pfeiffer) is very cool. sophisticated and measured in what she says but is undeniably attracted to both men. Nick makes the mistake of trying to use his relationship with her to elicit information about Mac and Carlos and this makes her turn her attention more strongly to Mac who she finds to be far more sincere. Meanwhile, a joint operation involving the D.E.A. and the Mexican police led by Commandante Xavier Escalante (Raul Julia) is under way to capture Carlos and of course, anyone doing business with him.

"Tequila Sunrise" is a visual treat with great camera-work, lighting and beautiful scenes such as the one in which Mac and Nick are shown in silhouette against a stunning background. Their darkened figures seem to emphasise the closeness of their friendship because when seen purely as two shadowed profiles, the differences and conflicts between them appear to become insignificant.

Mel Gibson conveys the uncertainty that his character experiences during a period in his life when he's feeling more apprehensive and vulnerable than he has in the past and Kurt Russell successfully makes Nick's mixture of genuine and manipulative characteristics seem perfectly believable. Michelle Pfeiffer displays great poise but is also convincing in showing her emotional reactions to certain situations and Raul Julia and J T Walsh are terrific in their supporting roles.

Not enough attention seems to have been given to the pacing of the action in this movie but overall, it is extremely entertaining to watch and contains some witty dialogue.

More of a writer's film than a director's one

[JamesHitchcock · 5/10 · 26 June 2008]

"Tequila Sunrise" is sometimes quoted as an example of neo-noir, a genre of film which uses modern cinema techniques while trying to capture the spirit of the classic films noirs from the forties and fifties. Other examples include Polanski's "Chinatown", the Michael Winner remake of "The Big Sleep", Lawrence Kasdan's "Body Heat" and Curtis Hanson's more recent "L.A. Confidential".

The title is derived from the well-known cocktail which has three ingredients, tequila, orange juice, and grenadine. Mel Gibson is seen drinking this cocktail on a couple of occasions, but the significance of the title may be that the film explores the triangular relationship between a "cocktail" of three main characters, Dale "Mac" McKussic, Nick Frescia and Jo Ann Vallinari. (The film was advertised in France under the slogan "Un Cocktail Explosif").

Mac is a former drug dealer who claims that he is now trying to go straight. Nick is not only the head of the Los Angeles narcotics squad for but also Mac's close friend. Jo Ann is a local restaurant owner with whom both Mac and Nick are in love. The two men's friendship is therefore under severe strain, and not only because of their feelings for Jo Ann. There are suspicions that Mac has slipped back into his old ways and may be trying to pull off one last deal with another old friend, a Mexican drug baron named Carlos. If these suspicions prove correct, Nick will be duty-bound to arrest him.

Like many examples of both film noir and neo-noir, "Tequila Sunrise" has a complex plot, one where the motives of all the characters are suspect and where nobody knows whom they can trust. (The writer/director Robert Towne was also the scriptwriter for "Chinatown", a film with one of the most convoluted plots in cinema history). Nevertheless, I have never really regarded it as authentic neo-noir. There was always more to film noir than a crime-related theme and a complicated storyline. Atmosphere was equally important; in some cases (such as Howard Hawks' original "The Big Sleep") it was paramount. In the eighties it would have been virtually impossible to make a film using the moody black-and-white photography which characterised film noir, but neo-noir directors were often able to give their films an equivalent atmospheric look. "Body Heat", for example, has an atmosphere of extreme heat, of sweat, of physical lassitude, of moral decay and of sexual tension, something emphasised not only by John Barry's jazz score but also Kasdan's colour scheme dominated by blacks, reds and oranges.

The film stars three of the up-and-coming stars of the eighties in Gibson, Kurt Russell and Michelle Pfeiffer. None of them really give their best performance here, although Pfeiffer is always very watchable. Although in the eighties Gibson was best known for his "tough guy" roles, especially in the "Mad Max" series, he does not bring much menace to the role of Mac or suggest his criminal background. Roger Ebert called him "the nicest drug dealer you'd ever want to know".

In 1988 Towne was much more experienced as a screenwriter than as a director. He had worked on the scripts for more than a dozen films and several TV series, but had only directed one previous film, the very different "Personal Best". It is therefore perhaps not surprising that "Tequila Sunrise" comes across as more of a writer's film than a director's one. Towne inserts all the plot twists and turns that we have come to expect from noir and neo-noir, but there are none of the visual touches we associate with the genre. The film is surprisingly slow-moving and wordy for what is supposed to be a crime thriller, dominated more by talk than by physical action except during the (literally) explosive finale. Towne may have had ambitions to become an auteur director like Polanski, but "Tequila Sunrise", a run-of-the-mill crime drama, is not the work of an auteur. 5/10

A somewhat confusing story in a film that drags on more than it should.

[filipemanuelneto · 5/10 · 23 August 2020]

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.

Very Underrated

[Khaled Yafi-01 · 3 June 2000]

Many perceive Tequila sunrise to be a routine, formulaic cop thriller with some nice sets, pretty actors, some guns, some sex....etc. Cynics go on to say that Gibson has never acted worse, that the plot twists are predictable and the love triangle is overly cheesy. I, on the other hand, feel that the film profits greatly from expert cinematography, fluent storytelling and convincing(albeit rather undemanding)acting. Pitting Gibson (the now-retired drug dealer lured back for one last deal) and Russell (the reluctant sheriff assigned to bust him) as best of friends on opposite sides of the law was a strong premise, made even more compelling by the fact that the drug dealer (Gibson) is the sympathetic character and the cop (Russell) is the sly, manipulative sort. There is an apparent sense of irony and it goes a long way to making an otherwise average story, interesting and very watchable. Pfeiffer is the glamorous love interest whose character does a lot to intensify the rivalry between the two men. Much of the drama and strength however comes from the late J.T Walsh as Russell's superior, hell bent on bringing Gibson down and his Mexican drug counter-part who nobody has ever seen. A special sense of irony presents itself at the denouement for Walsh unknowlingly becomes a pawn in the drug ring that has now become the talk of the town thanks to his vendetta.

The also late Raul Julia never disappoints as the charismatic yet enigmatic Mexican law enforcer. Julia and Walsh complement the film beautifully as side characters with dubious intentions. They are multi-faceted and like all the other people in this film are torn between what they should do and what they want to do, and in fact what they end up doing. Nothing is black and white in Tequila Sunrise; it's a very grey area. With every development we learn more about the people and how they are so far from being what we originally perceived. Hats off to to Robert Towne for his writing. Tequila Sunrise may lack the inventiveness, vision, and dynamism of Chinatown (Robert Towne wrote both scripts), but it should, by no means be discarded as a mediocre cop thriller.It is a very slick piece of cinema with fine acting, glamorous sets, and great dialogue. Furthermore, unlike some of it's predecessors it's a film that can be seen repeatedly without losing it's cutting edge. Under appreciated and underrated, Tequila Sunrise is an excellent film

Two friends on opposite sides of the law in the 80's

[juneebuggy · 6/10 · 7 December 2017]

A story that meanders and sort of goes nowhere despite the best of intentions. Nice cinematography and great cast though, Mel Gibson and Kurt Russell bounce well off each other as two old friends on opposite sides of the law. Michelle Pfeiffer is a perfect addition as the woman they both fall for.

I remember liking this movie when I originally saw it, way back when but this time around not so much. Hideously dated sax music throughout -as all the movies from this time 80s tended to have- was partially to blame but the whole story just felt a bit dry.

On the plus side the cast is superb Raul Julia steals every scene he's in as Carlos the charismatic dealer, Kurt is sleazy with his cocky cop attitude, cigarettes and slicked back hair, determined to get the girl and bring down his old friend. He actually reminded me of Dano from Hawaii five-0. Michelle Pfieiffer is beautiful and lovely as per, a sweet romance there. Yeah poor Mel, nobody will believe he's gone straight.

It's An Effort To Get Through This Movie

[slightlymad22 · 6/10 · 31 December 2016]

Continuing my plan to watch every Mel Gibson movie in order, I come to Tequila Sunrise

Plot In A Paragraph: Mac (Gibson) is a drug dealer who wants to go straight. His old and best friend Nick Frescia (Kurt Russell) is now a cop who is assigned to investigate him and his friendship with a Mexican dealer named Carlos, who the police believe is coming to town to meet with him.him. Both men fall for Jo Ann (Michelle Pfeiffer) a restaurant owner.

It was actually an effort to get through this movie. Dull, bland, uninteresting and just boring. I actually contemplated turning it off on several occasions. All of the cast look good, but when they appear bored with it all.

There is a good idea in Tequila Sunrise, but it just doesn't work. At least not for me.

Tequila Sunrise ended the year the 26th highest grossing movie of 1988 with a domestic gross of $41 million.

This is my backyard, Hal! I don't grow weeds in my backyard so I can pull 'em!

[TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews · 6/10 · 21 March 2010]

I watched this purely because it was on TV, I liked the sound of it from looking it up on here, and because Towne wrote Chinatown(and I don't hold him responsible for Mission: Impossible II, he was asked to work around the action sequences that had already been developed; this is the only thing that he's directed that I've seen, and, well, maybe there's a reason he hasn't gotten to do that all that often). This is entertaining enough. The leads, all four of 'em(Raul Julia stole the show), work their own individual charm and it works immensely well. Whilst not the best, this is a nice example of where the 80's could truly deliver something marvelous, as far as films go. The dialog is clever and relatively sharp at its best. Pacing is reasonable, although this has dull portions where the plot could move faster than it does. The cast are clearly enjoying themselves, and the acting performances tend to be quite good. There is some pretty decent tension in this, and it's definitely funny, and not afraid to challenge the ideals of who the good guys and who the bad guys are. There is a bit of strong language, a little bloody violence and a single sex scene in this. I recommend this to fans of anyone involved in making it. 6/10

"Nobody wants me to quit."

[Hey_Sweden · 7/10 · 19 May 2014]

This 1988 filmmaking effort for legendary screenwriter Robert Towne (of "Chinatown" fame) is slick, extremely well shot (by the equally legendary Conrad L. Hall), and generally absorbing. It does indeed go far on the charismatic performances by the star trio (that's not to mention the solid work by an exemplary supporting cast). It does boast a compelling theme of friendship, and the things that can put a severe strain on it. The characters are torn between what they have to do and what they would prefer to do.

Towne goes with a traditional idea of having two boyhood buddies ending up on opposite sides of the law. McKussic (Mel Gibson) is a drug smuggler who's trying his best to get out of the business; Frescia (Kurt Russell) is a fast rising narcotics detective. Frescia, despite bearing no real ill will towards his pal, is not above manipulating others in order to get to McKussic - and, ultimately, Carlos, a big time drug kingpin who can only be identified by McKussic.

All of the major parts are very well cast. Certainly they're all at their sexiest; Michelle Pfeiffer co-stars as Jo Ann, the savvy restaurant owner who comes between the two men. Raul Julia is a delight as the sinister Carlos, alternating between charm and menace. J.T. Walsh is superb as the unlikable, clueless federal agent whose methodology differs from Frescias'. (It's a truly sad thing that both Julia and Walsh are no longer with us.) Arliss Howard is Macs' cousin and partner in his shady dealings. Ann Magnuson has a cameo as Macs' ex-wife and Arye Gross has a small part as a lawyer. (Be sure to watch for a cameo by veteran director Budd Boetticher as a judge.)

Admittedly the film is more interesting in its early parts. Towne begins it well but it isn't carried to a really satisfying conclusion. (Apparently the ending had to be changed in order to please the test audience. What a shame.) But thanks to Gibson, Pfeiffer, Russell, Julia, and Walsh, it's never less than watchable.

Seven out of 10.

messy crime drama

[SnoopyStyle · 4/10 · 8 May 2015]

'Mac' McKussic (Mel Gibson) is a former drug dealer trying to stay clean. His close friend Nick Frescia (Kurt Russell) is in the drug taskforce in the L. A. County Sheriff's Department. DEA Agent Hal Maguire (J. T. Walsh) insists that Mac is involved with faceless Mexican cartel leader Carlos. Maguire tries to get restaurant owner Jo Ann (Michelle Pfeiffer) to spy on Mac but she refuses. Nick gets close to Jo Ann as the task force closes in on Mac. Nick introduces Jo Ann to Mexican Federales Commandante Xavier Escalante (Raúl Juliá).

This is a jumble messy noirish hard-boiled crime drama. The first noticeable thing is the need for more setup. It would be helpful to show the childhood friendship and even their relationship when they were cop and robber. They need to build up their story together so the audience can truly feel their closeness. Everything builds on that including the love triangle. The story is both as slow as molasses and as confused as an Iowa corn maze. I like the style and the acting is alright. However, the plot has no momentum and struggles to find any footing. Everything could be solved with a better introduction to these characters. I don't care about them. Kurt in a suit is not enough characterization.

They're no angels

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 31 March 2017]

I'm betting that writer/director Robert Towne of Tequila Sunrise was a big fan of the great Warner Brothers classic Angels With Dirty Faces. That's the one where two kids who grow up to be James Cagney and Pat O'Brien, because one is caught by the authorities and one wasn't for some juvenile crime, one becomes a gangster and one becomes a priest.

Here the mere fact that Kurt Russell was enjoying a midnight swim and Mel Gibson was caught smoking a joint on a Mexican beach makes all the difference in their lives. Russell becomes a cop, Gibson who gets protection in the Mexican prison from Raul Julia drug kingpin goes into the business. Little is left to the imagination about how Gibson enjoyed Julia's favor.

Julia's wanted by just about everybody and while Gibson would really like to quit the business, he owes Julia and Julia is coming to the USA for a really big score. Putting Kurt Russell in a precarious position. It gets even more precarious when restaurant owner Michelle Pfeiffer arrives on the scene. She has a thing for both Gibson and Russell.

This very unofficial redoing of Angels With Dirty Faces also from Warner Brothers is nicely updated to the glitzy 80s and all the players are doing some really good work here. Tequila Sunrise got an Oscar nomination for Cinematography and the way that fiery climax is photographed I can see why.

I will say things work out a tad better than they did for James Cagney.

Meh

[statuskuo · 5/10 · 20 November 2014]

This movie is so mediocre, it screams to want to be a better movie. So that's the frustration you get as you watch some really good moments get buried in TERRIBLE dialogue, goofy plotting and ridiculous characters. Why did I think it was the middle of the road? It is well made. By well made, I mean it looks and feels like L.A. in the late 80's. It's sweaty, everything looks late afternoon and reminds me of tequila on cocaine. It's the atmosphere of that time. And it's perfect. Then you get these bobbleheads who ruin it with talking. Frankly, I've never seen Michelle Pfeiffer so wooden. She's got as much sex appeal in this movie as a billboard for genital herpes. Russell is grossly mis-casted. Strange how Alec Baldwin was first considered. It would've been an interesting choice.

With all the earnest dark brooding noir sense, it becomes slapsticky Mel at the end (with Raoul Julia). While fun, negates the rest of the movie. This thing was a patchwork, not yet fully cooked before production started. Still, love L.A. in the 80's though.

vastly underrated noir

[kpd1 · 9/10 · 1 June 1999]

Robert Towne, best known as the writer of Chinatown, directed this backstabbing corkscrew of a film from his own script after several notable directors didn't meet interpretation. A dark brooding piece, that is as meditative and murky as it is tightly written for suspense and twists, Tequila Sunrise focuses on the expectations that conventional mores place upon our freedom to interct and even love whomever our heart bids us.

Gibson plays a drug dealer with, if not a conscience, at least a code of some sort of ethics. He is raising a son and wants to retire from illegal activities so that he may be a good role model.

Russel plays a narcotics cop bucking for a promotion. In order to get his promotion he needs to bust the area's most notorious dealer... guess who. Problem: he and Gibson and childhood mates.

Pfeiffer is a woman caught between them, each one wanting her for different reasons. Raul Julia and J.T. Walsh complete the central players in a fine ensemble on people with agendas that may be worth sacrificing the alliances they have made along the way.

As the various subplots tie themselves into impossible-to-unravel knots, every character will be forced to question what it is he or she holds sacred. Tough and even regretted decisions are made. Friendships are made and dissolved, hearts are broken, revenges plotted...

Gibson is at his best here, Pfeiffer brings great depth to what could easily have been little more than a trophy role. Walsh and Julia are so poker-faced that an audience member who succeeds in reading all the angles should account himself no more than a lucky guesser as they leave you very few clues to work with.

Ironically, despite the desires of Gibson and Towne, the ending had to be altered to please test audiences. Later critics would harp severely on the final shot, the reviews keeping away significant audience. While the ending may be unsatisfying to the typically cynical noir fan, it does not change the fact that this a far-above-average genre flick with an excellent cast and a superb script.

Worth a watch, worth several.

Chick flick couched in neo-noir, but a heady mix nonetheless

[Mr-Fusion · 7/10 · 25 April 2013]

"Tequila Sunrise" is the very definition of selling a movie on the basis of sheer star power. Mel Gibson, Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell, I mean, you can almost see sparks fly from just the movie poster. But the movie is really about the characters and their tangled relationships . And even though the emphasis is placed on Gibson and Pfeiffer (and their steamy chemistry), I've always been partial to Russell's side of it. I just find him more interesting, and I do love his contemptuous attitude towards JT Walsh.

That said, this is a case of one supporting player stealing the whole movie, and that is Raúl Juliá. Don't believe me? Just watch how the movie comes to life when he's around. It's never dull, but the guy's charisma is off the flippin' charts. The man had a gift.

On the whole, it's a pretty good movie; complicated plot, surprising twist, great cast.

7/10

Tequila Sunrise Sunsets Early **

[edwagreen · 4/10 · 6 June 2013]

Kurt Russell as the suave, cool, cunning chain smoking cop gives an interesting performance in this otherwise tedious 1988 film. His best friend is Mel Gibson, a drug dealer. How the two really became friends is never adequately explained. Of course, Russell is assigned to investigate Gibson.

Michelle Pfeifer is the owner of the restaurant where the drugs are being sold and so she comes under suspicion as well. Michelle spends the balance of this film going back and forth between the Gibson and Russell characters. The bartender in her restaurant seems to be an interesting character, but his character is never fully developed here.

I immediately guessed who Mexican Federal Agent Raul Julia really was.

For a drug-related movie, there is relatively little action and the shoot out scene at the end, is inane at best.

A really good film with an excellent twist.

[bigeddie69 · 29 July 2002]

This film is all about what was great about the 80's, it has it's own style and all three main actors obviously enjoy there roles. I admit it's not one for challenging your intellect, but it is fun, honest and above all well acted. Great scenery, great story.

Overlooked Gem

[lavaside-60237 · 7/10 · 21 July 2023]

This is a really good flick, lost to time.

Gibson's career had so many high points that this somehow got lost in the grandeur.

A lot like 'Bird on a Wire'.

If you want a middle of the road film to watch, this is what you're looking for.

Not too serious, but not cheesy, either.

With Gibson, Russel, and Pfeiffer - it's tough to go wrong.

Raul Julia even shows up to throw the talent level over-the-top.

The minimum character limit introduced to IMDb is a joke.

I refuse to copy and paste the synopsis like everyone else, just so I can post the real paragraph at the end.

Instead, I'm just going to say... Girl world sucks.

Girl world sucks.

Girl world sucks.

Don't worry, buddy. I won't kill her unless you approve.

[lastliberal · 7/10 · 6 July 2007]

What can you say about the guy who wrote Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes; Shampoo; Chinatown; and The Last Detail? Do you think that a movie written and directed by Robert Towne might be worth 2 hours of you life? We are talking about a master romantic tantalizer here.

A sample: Michelle Pfeiffer tells Mel Gibson how sorry she is that she hurt his feelings. He replies, "C'mon, it didn't hurt that bad," pauses, and adds, "Just lookin' at you hurts more." You can see the love in his eyes as he looks at the shining beauty of Michelle Pfeiffer.

Doesn't that make you want to run out and rent this film? It should.

Fascinating failure

[allyjack · 7/10 · 23 August 1999]

The movie is a fascinating failure. In essence it's an old-fashioned genre piece, with the kinds of ambiguities that characterized the best film noir of the 40's and 50's: the main characters are conceived in classically muscular thematic colours, and Towne creates a sometimes absorbing network of shifting perceptions, generally leaving it pretty open as to how we should grade the relative professional and personal failings and compromises of the protagonists. The climax makes this moral confusion extremely explicit, but then is followed by a sappy coda that exemplifies the movie's worst aspect - its capitulation to a Miami Vice kind of visual glossiness (on which it may be trying - but if so without success - to form some kind of commentary). The style looks very dated even after a decade, and the music has fared even worse. The actors seem too superficial to do justice to the movie's thematic ambitions: Gibson and Pfeiffer are so one-dimensional as to be outacted by Russell; Julia's character goes far into overdone stereotype and seriously damages the film's later stretches. Given these drawbacks, much of the smart dialogue takes on a rote quality - there are times when the characters seem fated to endlessly analyze and parry, and the nuances sail away along with one's concentration. It still does overall justice to Towne's ambition though, even if it convincingly demonstrates the difference between a great writer and a great director.

So many big stars and then such an average movie...

[Boba_Fett1138 · 5/10 · 8 November 2008]

This movie has a cast to die for; Mel Gibson, Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell, Raul Julia, J.T. Walsh, Arliss Howard. It makes you wonder though why they all ever agreed to appear in this movie. It's a waste of their talents really, since the movie its script doesn't provide the movie with anything interesting or exciting. Instead it more often confuses and bores.

I was real disappointed by the movie its script. While '80's police movies also aren't exactly know for their great or original stories but this story is even worse than usual. In the end you just stop carrying about anything that is happening in this movie or for any of its characters, since the movie has dragged along for far too long. The movie is lacking a certain depth with its story. In all honesty the movie really didn't started off too bad but its one of those movies that gets worse by the minute. In the end it makes you regret you've ever watched it.

It's sad that not even the great cast could put some life into the movie and its story. It's also a rather unknown movie from each of the movie its actors. They still try their very best but no, I can't really say it helps much. Although it of course is certainly true that the presence of actors such as Mel Gibson, Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell, Raul Julia and J.T. Walsh still uplifts the movie. I mean, with a totally different and unknown cast the movie would had been far worse for sure.

What the movie is lacking is some good action. It would at least had made the movie more interesting to watch. And when you have an '80's action-star such as Mel Gibson in your movie, why not use that? Instead now the movie feels like a movie done action-crime-thriller movie style but without any action in it and also without much thriller elements, since the movie is just not exciting or original enough to allow any of these elements to completely work out.

The movie also suffers from an horrible '80's music curse; the '80's music! It's so dreadful, hearing constantly some idiot playing his saxophone as loud as he can, with an occasional guitar and drums joining in. It's a score you can normally expected in a bad porn-flick.

Oh well, it's not exactly as if this is THE worst movie ever made but it also isn't exactly a movie I would recommend to anyone, despite the presence of some good big names in it.

5/10

http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/

noirish eye candy

[blanche-2 · 7/10 · 23 July 2017]

The only thing I heard about "Tequila Sunrise" back in the '80s was that it had a sexy hot tub scene. Does it ever.

But the movie is more than that. It's the story of friendship and betrayal with some stunning cinematic moments.

Mac Mckussic (Mel Gibson) is a drug dealer trying to go straight. His friend Nick Drescia (Kurt Russell) is the cop investigating him.

Both Mac and Nick are attracted to Jo Ann (Michelle Pfeiffer), the owner of an Italian restaurant. What Nick wants from her, though, is information about Mac's plans. He wants to know more about Mac's drug dealing plans and his connections with a major Mexican dealer, Carlos, whom the police believe is coming to town to meet with Mac.

"Tequila Sunrise" isn't heavy on action, which I suppose is one criticism, and it has some complicated subplots. And I'm not really sure you'd call it a noir - noirish maybe. What makes it interesting are the performances of Gibson, Pfeiffer, Russell -- and their beautiful looks -- and Raul Julia and J.T. Walsh, both marvelous.

Someone described this as a chick flick. It's not hard-hitting like director Towne's classic Chinatown. It draws on some old themes - a love triangle, loyalty, friendship -- and it succeeds on that level. Comparing it to Chinatown won't get you anywhere.

Forgetable movie.

[mm-39 · 3/10 · 25 August 2002]

No matter how strong a cast, without a script, the story falls apart. Russel, and Gibson perform strongly, but have too little to work with. One word can describe this film, boring! I could not rewind the tape fast enough, and get it out of the vcr. Do not rent it, even if there is nothing else watch. 3/10

Classic 80's Noir

[Rodrigo_Amaro · 10/10 · 22 April 2011]

Three views on three different occasions and ages and it finally worked on the third time. Sounds like the divisions of a play and acts but it was just how my perception over "Tequila Sunrise" has changed over the years, and now I find it an excellent film, with many positive aspects. The screenplay is smart, confusing at times, it has many terrific things and the actors made this story even more interesting, exciting. This is a film-noir, but not in the traditional almost melodramatic sense, so if you're looking for gunshots, action and chase sequences it's better pick another movie to watch.

In Robert Towne's film everyone is divided between love (on someone or something) and friendship, and things isn't always what they appear. McKussic (Mel Gibson) and Nick Frescia (Kurt Russell) are long time pals who have opposite lines of work: Mac is a nice drug dealer who has a perfect ability to escape from problems, trying to retire himself from the "job"; while Nick is a cop investigating a huge drug shipment coming to the country and McKussic might be involved in it. But friendship worths more than anything in the world and one won't be after the other as long things don't turn into something illegal. In the middle of these two there's three things: Nick's FBI partner Maguire (J. T. Walsh) coordinating McKussic's investigation; Mac's friend the drug dealer Carlos (Raul Julia) coming from Mexico for a big drug operation; and the gorgeous Jo Ann Vallenari (Michelle Pfeiffer) owner of a successful restaurant where Mac is a regular costumer and both friends are interested in this woman who is divided between the love of both men. The audience must try to hold the pieces together and figure what happens next, who's telling the truth and who's lying in this intricate plot.

If the plot itself sometimes wanders a little bit, at least the characters are so well constructed and the performances go in the right direction that the film doesn't suffer one bit, but I must say that attention is required to follow everyone and everything, otherwise you lost yourself with no chance of getting back to the story, and you'll probably hate it. My earlier problems with "Tequila Sunrise" on other views was exactly that; it was right in front of me, this is a picture made exclusively with dialogs and they matter a lot, it is all well written out.

Now, this is a helluva film from the 1980's filled with elements all nostalgic fans from that decade love: Gibson in the peak of his career, Russell as well, Michelle beautiful as ever, Raul Julia stealing the show from everybody, Dave Grusin's jazzy music featuring David Sanborn sax solos with the love's theme, the spectacular cinematography from Conrad L. Hall (Oscar nominated for his work here) capturing fantastic sunny shots and the most beautiful sunsets ever captured on celluloid.

There's a strange magnetism about "Tequila Sunrise" that even before the time I like it, there was something good about it, and I'm glad for it because it always made me want more of it, something makes me watch it every time I can (even though I still don't understand the title. Towne played the enigmatic again with the title, remember "Chinatown"?). Here's a story about the value of love and friendship among unusual friends with more unusual types of work. 10/10.

A simmering, atmospheric and elegantly convoluted world

[fredrikgunerius · 7/10 · 16 March 2023]

Veteran Hollywood penner Robert Towne (Chinatown, Shampoo) creates a simmering, atmospheric and elegantly convoluted world of drug dealers, DEA agents, old friendships and new romances in this noirish crime-drama. The title alludes both to the drink they all keep drinking and the deep yellow Los Angeles sunsets Towne keeps getting cinematographer Conrad Hall to capture - there is no doubt the director romanticizes his home town and movie history in one go here. And thanks to solid, layered performances from his three stars and some brilliant dialogue, especially in the first half, Tequila Sunrise becomes almost as alluring as Towne arguably aimed for. In that first half, Kurt Russell gives what may be his best performance ever. Which is why the eventual occlusion of his character is something of a letdown. It coincides with the introduction of Raul Julia as a powerful, larger-than-life Mexican police commandante, and his tug of war with Gibson is indicative of the film's less inspired final part, in which Towne clutches at straws and paints himself into a Miami Vice-ish corner which is clearly out of his depth. The action sequences towards the end leave a lot to be desired. There is also a fine jazzy score by Dave Grusin and a wonderful supporting performance from the always dependable J. T. Walsh.

Everything that could go wrong did go wrong with this film

[Nobody-27 · 2/10 · 13 September 2016]

Sometimes there are films that are so bad, you don't even know where to start. This one is just bad - you know where to start. Hence, I give it two stars, although, maybe I am just in a good mood...

By now, most people know this is about crime, buddies and a girl. The story could have and should have worked. That part was not terrible, although it probably needed a bit of massage.

But everything else was your typical film school example of "how not to make a film". Let's see: - On the nose dialogue - check. - Changing the tone from action to drama to comedy to tragedy - check. - Actors have no motivation for their emotions - check. - Characters that get out of character all the time - check. (e.g. Joanne or Jovana starts of as super-self-confident only to end up insecure and then over emotional and as a result entirely unbelievable) - Boring editing and direction - check (even the love making scene was too forced in terms of visuals) - Forced story and forced dialogues - check. - Too contrived - check. - Plenty of bad acting (due to bad script) - check. - Predictable - check. (my friend even guessed the key point of the film some 30 min into it! I only guessed the general setup, but within first five minutes) - No chemistry whatsoever between ANY of the characters - check. - I could not really care less if any one of them lived or died - check. And so on. This is one of those films that deserves to be seen as an excellent example of how not to write, direct and generally make a film. I don't care how famous or big Robert Towne is, he managed to make a piece of junk that is barely watchable. Some of the dialogues I thought were written by a teenager and not a very smart one. The score was entirely forgettable. Photography too, even thought it was shot in S. California where there is plenty of opportunity for good images (seems it was shot in Long Beach judging by some of the oil rigs in the film). I could go on and on about all that is wrong with the film but I will not. I will leave it up to you, a true film lover, to analyze this film and learn from it. Yes, we all benefit when a director/ writer screws up a decent idea. So, bad film, but educational.

This is my favorite Mel Gibson movie.

[[e-mail] · 10 June 2003]

Now after saying that, let me say this. I do not think it is his best movie. I realize he has made much better movies. This movie is flawed but if you look hard enough everything is flawed. The reason this is my favorite Mel Gibson movie is A: Mel's performance, it was very good. Probably not his best but he plays paranoid well. B: Raul Julia he was awesome in this. Same with Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell. Next is the story. A tale of a drug dealer trying to clean up his life to impress a restaurant owner, but is derailed by everyone else in his life. His brother is trying to set him up, his high school buddy is trying to stop but not bust him, and steal his would be girl. His other old friend who is supposedly the biggest dealer in Mexico is trying to get him back into dealing. His ex-wife wants his money, the DEA wants him in jail, his lawyer isn't really helping and all his kid wants is his attention. This is a character the has every reason to trust no one and still tries although he is usually right and shouldn't. To me this is a fun film with interesting characters doing what should be uninteresting things. True it all ends in true hollywierd fashion but seeing Michelle Pfeiffer looking great in some power woman suits and Kurt Russell looking like a 50's cigarette poster and trying to be slick is fun. Plus the performance by J.T Walsh (one of my favorite character actors) as the seedy DEA agent makes this worth the time.