I used to rent videos several times per week because I was tired of the same old programs on TV and wanted to keep up with the latest releases. Then my boyfriend and I started to go to the movies about once a month, and we saw all the movies that seemed interesting to us. So now there's not a big reason to get to the video store. Because I have a long weekend this weekend, I wanted to stop by the video store and see what was there. I picked up One Way Out because it looked suspenseful and good. The fact that Jim Belushi is in it helped; I like him!


Movie Details:

One Way Out is a movie that will remind you somewhat of the Michael Douglas thriller A Perfect Murder. The big difference here, however, is that A Perfect Murder is more glamorous, while One Way Out is more gritty and has the "city cop" element.

This movie is 99 minutes long and is available for purchase on both VHS and DVD. It was released on DVD and VHS in December, 2002.


About The Stars:

The main stars are Jim Belushi, Jason Bateman and Angela Featherstone. Jim Belushi plays the main character, Harry Woltz. Jim Belushi is currently one of the main stars of the TV series According To Jim and had a stint in the 80's on Saturday Night Live.

Jason Bateman plays the somewhat timid husband to "rich b*tch" millionaire Evans Farrow. Yes, in case you didn't know, Jason Bateman is Justine Bateman's sister. Jason is probably best known for his assorted TV series roles.

Angela Featherstone plays Harry's ex-girlfriend Gwen. She is also his ex-partner and is a tenacious cop. She is an OK actress but really tries to over-act at times.


Plot:

The plot of this movie lacks somewhat. We learn early on in the movie that Harry (Belushi's character) is a cop with a secret gambling addition and is thousands of dollars in debt. He then meets millionaire Evans Farrow (played by Guylaine St.-Onge) and Harry's life begins to take a downward spiral.

More than one person could get murdered in this movie as the plot unfolds. If Harry does not pay back his gambling debt, his ex-girlfriend Gwen will be murdered. Harry is then given a choice and must make a decision that will change his life forever, and will challenge his commitment to police ethics.


Character Development:

The characters in this movie are all under-developed. We know who these people ARE, we just don't find out WHY they are the way they are - and in a movie like this, we need to know. I can't understand why a good looking man like John Farrow (Bateman's character) is putting up with the poor treatment of his wife, Evans. Not only is she so incredibly rude, but there is no chemistry between the two whatsoever. She asks him what other men will think of her outfit, but in a way that I can't describe in this review (too graphic) - he ignores her biting comments, then lets her go to their guest house to have sex with other men several times per week. It's not like Farrow is bad looking - he's very good looking. (And there's no prenuptial agreement!)

So while asking ourselves throughout the movie "besides her money, WHY did these two get married?", we are also asking ourselves "Belushi's character is risking his neck for his ex-girlfriend WHY?"...Harry and Gwen also have no chemistry - and since we don't know anything about the history or their relationship, we just accept the fact that the men he owes the gambling debt to will kill Gwen if they aren't paid back right away.


The Ending:

The ending of this movie is somewhat predictable. I figured that it would have the type of ending that it did, but you will have one surprise at the end.


How I Would Have Changed This Movie:

I would have picked different actresses. The two women (St.-Onge and Featherstone) just did not have enough chemistry or strong acting skills. I thought that Featherstone over-acted at times. And I'm convinced that St.-Onge was picked only because she is tall and has a great body (for the two or three somewhat graphic sex scenes).

I would have also made all of the characters more developed. They seemed "choppy" and we picked up just bits and pieces of their personalities - we want to LOVE or HATE characters in a movie, not be indifferent to them!


Who Would Like This Movie?

Anyone over the age of 18 or so would like this movie. This is definitely not a movie for children of any age due to the few, somewhat graphic sex scenes, the violence and the scheming, murderous plot. However, none of this is SO bad that a person over the age of 18 shouldn't see it.

If you like a suspenseful movie, you may like this one. Just keep in mind that it is somewhat gritty, without huge star power and no special effects (although special effects are not necessary and definitely not desired in a movie like this).



**This write off is in appreciation to PV2 BECRAFT and ALL members of the US Armed Forces for the courage and sacrifices made by them and their families. For all the times they are away from home and missing important events in their lives: holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, births and the many hours of homesickness felt as they do their duty. We love you each and every one!

Participants
ˇ astidham
ˇ caithnessfan / Member US Air Force
ˇ char.mike / Son Pv2 Becraft in US Army
ˇ erinrounds
ˇ Granniemose
ˇ kamel622
ˇ KimberlyD
ˇ Lisado / Husband Matt in US Navy
ˇ Lisaffire / Niece in US Navy
ˇ maggsmomm
ˇ modernmarvel
ˇ moonsista / Father previously in US Marines,
Uncles previously in US Air Force, US Army and
US Navy, Cousin previously in US Army.
*Remnjava








Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age