Synopsis for
Dolan's Cadillac (2009) More at IMDbPro »

As an adaptation of Stephen Kings short story of the same name, Jeff Beesleys Dolans Cadillac is probably too straightforward and unambitious for its own good, which may be ironic to hear, as most of Kings stories that have gone off the rails as movies have been because of their lack of faith to the source material. Although its been ages since I last read the King story, much of the movie adaptation feels familiar, and I cant say if the cinematic version deviates significantly enough from the story to crow about. There are differences, of course, the biggest being a deeper understanding of Dolans criminal activities, a necessity given that the story was told from the first-person perspective of the main character, Robinson, who had no inside dish on Dolan and only saw him as a bogeyman coming and going. Curious, then, that the film stumbles when it attempts to explore Robinsons world as he transforms from mild-mannered sixth grade school teacher to hardened road warrior and, eventually, murderer.

The Dolan of the title is one Jimmy Dolan, a Las Vegas mobster played with delicious scenery chewing times ten by Christian Slater. Dolan makes his living in the sex trade, and when one of his delivery trucks goes off track, hes forced to take matters into his own hands. Unfortunately for Dolan, the same time hes cleaning up his mess by way of some well-placed bullets, schoolteacher Elizabeth (Emmanuelle Vaugier) happens by on horseback. Elizabeth flees, but not before shes spotted and conveniently drops her cellphone for the bad guys to find. After the hapless local racist Sheriff fails to render assistance, Elizabeth and her husband Robinson (Wes Bentley) go to the FBI. The two are put into federal custody while the investigation into Dolans activities commence. Alas, it doesnt take long before Elizabeth is found and murdered by Dolans henchman, the slimy, yet cool Chief (Greg Bryk).

The murder of his wife does not go well for Robinson, who quickly plots revenge. He begins to watch Dolans activities, realizing that the mobster always travels from Las Vegas to Los Angeles once every month on the exact same day, on the exact same stretch of road. His means of transportation is his Cadillac SUV, a bullet-proof monstrosity, its charms Robinson witnesses first hand when some Chinese snakeheads try to take Dolan out for a deal gone bad. So how do you avenge the murder of your wife on a mobster that the police cant touch? Robinson has an idea: he will join a road work crew, learn the trades, and when the opportunity presents itself, literally bury Dolan in his precious Cadillac. [D-Man2010]