IMDb > Destiny Turns on the Radio (1995)

Destiny Turns on the Radio (1995) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 22 | slideshow)

Overview

User Rating:
4.3/10   1,177 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 4% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Jack Baran
Writers (WGA):
Robert Ramsey (written by) &
Matthew Stone (written by)
Contact:
View company contact information for Destiny Turns on the Radio on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
28 April 1995 (USA) more
Genre:
Crime | Comedy | Fantasy more
Tagline:
Fate visits in ways you never expect. more
Plot:
Johnny Destiny burns into Las Vegas in his hot Dodge RoadRunner, stopping only to pick up a stranger stranded in the desert... more | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
more
User Comments:
Brilliant! more (22 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Dylan McDermott ... Julian Goddard

Nancy Travis ... Lucille

James LeGros ... Thoreau

Quentin Tarantino ... Johnny Destiny

James Belushi ... Tuerto
Janet Carroll ... Escabel

David Cross ... Ralph Dellaposa
Richard Edson ... Gage
Bobcat Goldthwait ... Mr. Smith
Barry Shabaka Henley ... Dravec

Lisa Jane Persky ... Katrina
Sarah Trigger ... Francine

Tracey Walter ... Pappy
Allen Garfield ... Vinnie Vidivici

Ralph Brannen ... Henchman
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

MPAA:
Rated R for language.
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parents
Runtime:
102 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Color:
Color
Sound Mix:
Dolby Digital
Certification:
USA:R (certificate #33751) | Iceland:L | UK:15
Filming Locations:
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA more
Company:
Rysher Entertainment more

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
The name of the talent agent played by Allen Garfield is Vinnie Vidivici. This is a wink to the Latin of Caesar's famed message to the Roman Senate after his defeat of Pharnaces, "Veni Vidi Vici", which translates as "I came, I saw, I conquered." more
Soundtrack:
The Veldt more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.

User Comments

   (Comment on this title)
1 out of 2 people found the following comment useful.
Brilliant!, 14 March 2006
Author: Nick Dets from US

There are only certain movies that can overcome their technical failures. Movies like "Destiny Turns on the Radio" have an authentically magical spark that draws you in despite some bad production values. What's more, its whimsical but truly bizarre story never alienates its audience. It is solidly entertaining and memorable throughout. Featuring some dazzling performances (minus Quentin Tarantino's lackluster turn as the suave Johnny Destiny) and a truly unique story, "Destiny" is a low-key gem.

Dylan McDermott is downright charismatic as Julian Goddard-a fugitive who was able to escape a Nevada penitentiary through a once in a lifetime brush with luck and fate. He is rescued by Destiny and delivered back to his old life of crime after 3 years. He hooks up with hotel manager Thoreau, his longtime partner and friend-played by James LeGros who is one of the film's most shining assests. With a fresh new hand at life, he sets out to get back with his ex Lucille, who is looking for her big break as a singer (by any means necessary). She is now with a piggish casino owner played by a surprisingly funny James Belushi. Of course, Goddard needs to thwart him, his goons, not to mention a handful of cops on his tail in order to get to his long lost love. All the while, Johnny Destiny is planning his return to his netherworldly realm through means of a hotel pool portal (don't ask- watch the movie).

There are a lot of things that just don't work in this movie. Fortunately they are not hard to look past. These include the terrible sound, which require some leniency from the viewer. They also include some jokes that go flat-notably a completely needless subplot starring none other that Bobcat Goldthwait. As you know, Quentin doesn't do much for his great role and to top it all off, there are some things that don't make a whole lot of sense in the script.

The beautiful thing about this movie is that it doesn't stop being so effortlessly likable. It gets very far fetched, but it never turned me off the whole time. In fact, it only proceeded to draw me in and captivate my imagination. Not to mention it's sprinkled with great bit parts like Tracey Walter as Goddard's desert-rat father, a hilarious David Cross as Lucille's sleazy agent and Allen Garfield as Vinny Vedivici, the slob producer who can make her dreams come true.

It may not hit all its marks, but "Destiny Turns on the Radio" convinces you it doesn't have to. It is one of those irresistible movies that you don't know why you enjoy it, but can't help doing so nonetheless. Don't be shy, accept "Destiny".

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (22 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Destiny Turns on the Radio (1995)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
How did QT got involved with this crap? luisfal
should i see it? littlereoko
soundtrack laurac84
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
Addams Family Values Buffalo '66 The Tunnel of Love The Miracle of Morgan's Creek Rosemary's Baby
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
News articles IMDb Crime section IMDb USA section
Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.