IMDb > Tequila Sunrise (1988)
Tequila Sunrise
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Tequila Sunrise (1988) More at IMDbPro »

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Oscar Nominations    Photos    more »

Overview

User Rating:
5.7/10   10,888 votes
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Director:
Writer (WGA):
Robert Towne (written by)
Contact:
View company contact information for Tequila Sunrise on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
2 December 1988 (USA) more
Tagline:
Un cocktail explosif [French] more
Plot:
Mac Mckussic is an unlikely drug dealer who wants to go straight. His old and best friend Nick Frescia... more | add synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for Oscar. Another 2 wins & 1 nomination more
NewsDesk:
'39 Steps' Reborn
 (From WENN. 8 January 2004)

User Reviews:
Eighties classic more (54 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Mel Gibson ... Dale 'Mac' McKussic

Michelle Pfeiffer ... Jo Ann Vallenari

Kurt Russell ... Det. Lt. Nicholas 'Nick' Frescia

Raul Julia ... Carlos / Comandante Xavier Escalante

J.T. Walsh ... DEA Agent Hal Maguire

Gabriel Damon ... Cody McKussic

Arliss Howard ... Gregg Lindroff

Arye Gross ... Andy Leonard

Daniel Zacapa ... Arturo, Bartender at Vallenari's (as Garret Pearson)
Eric Thiele ... Vittorio Vallenari
Tom Nolan ... Leland
Dawn Martel ... Sin Sister #1

Lala Sloatman ... Sin Sister #2 (as Lala)
Budd Boetticher ... Judge Nizetitch

Ann Magnuson ... Shaleen McKussic
more
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Additional Details

Runtime:
115 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Before shooting began according to producer Thom Mount, Warner Bros. pulled out of the film because of issues with the screenplay citing that the good guy was an ex-drug dealer and the cops and feds are the bad guys. more
Goofs:
Continuity: When Pfeiffer is at the police station getting her chef released, Russell pulls up and parks directly in front of her car. When they leave the station, his car isn't there and Pfeiffer is able to drive away unobstructed. more
Quotes:
Carlos: Don't worry, buddy. I won't kill her unless you approve.
McKussic: And if I don't approve?
Carlos: Then we'll talk until you do...
more
Movie Connections:
Featured in Here's Looking at You, Warner Bros. (1991) (TV) more
Soundtrack:
Unsubstantiated more

FAQ

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6 out of 9 people found the following review useful.
Eighties classic, 30 September 2002
9/10
Author: Jolo-2 from North Carolina, USA

This is one of those guilty pleasures. I still find myself watching it over and over some 14 years later. After a while, who even cares about Robert Towne's serpentine plot twists. The reason this movie still works is simple - it is great entertainment. This movie takes 3 stars at the peak of their physical beauty who were just beginning to realize their acting potential (admittedly, in the years since, only 2 of them realized that potential). Michelle Pfeiffer attained a perfect trifecta in 1988 with comedy (Married to the Mob), drama (Dangerous Liasons), and this melodramatic actioner. The movie takes itself too seriously, but we don't have to. It's a silly fantasy world with stunning beach sunsets, tequila and sports cars, good drug dealers and bad cops, etc. Like Miami Vice, this movie portrayed the late 80s, and for those of us who grew up during that flashy, fun decade, _Tequila Sunrise_ is a fun-filled nostalgic trip. It's about a beautiful people living angst filled lives.

It's mindless and fun. So enjoy it for what it is.

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Tequila Sunrise (1988)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Raul Julia stole the show lbrad2001
Michelle Pfeiffer - body double? matjambash
Very under-rated! Brand_X_Savior
Help with the most ambiguous film ever. mahditoohottie
Why the name Tequila sunrise? bubs-6
Theme song wxad
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