I was a teenager in the '80s when "Tequila Sunrise" was released, so I watched it again recently to see how the movie looks and feels so many years later. It's a standard film noir tale with a classic love triangle: Nick (Kurt Russell) the LA narcotics detective trying to take down a major international drug dealing ring; Jo Ann (Michelle Pfeiffer), an elegant, beautiful restaurateur who caters to the city's wealthy, including drug dealers, although she has no idea; and Mac (Mel Gibson), one of those successful and polished drug dealers who's trying to get out of the racket to raise his young son on the beach.
The story by Academy Award-winning writer of "Chinatown" (possibly the greatest American film ever) Robert Towne is entertaining, although seems dated in its dialogue and situations--the criminals seem too congenial and almost upstanding in their moral code. The corrupt LA cops may seem more realistic by comparison. The action scenes are entertaining and the plot keeps you engaged enough all the way through.
But the main hook of "Tequila Sunrise" is the love story between Nick, Jo Ann and Mac--Nick and Mac being close high school chums who still try to look out for each other, although both are in love with Jo Ann, who is the epitome of late '80s beauty and allure. She is intelligent, decent, professional and kind. So, there is the conflict that drives the story. The tasteful love scenes are very stereotypically '80s, complete with quick cutting, soft lighting and soaring saxophone solos by David Sanborn.
One reaction I had (a pleasant one) was that the three stars were absolutely attractive and gorgeous, but did not look fake like today's standard--they all had real teeth, skin, bodies and hair. What passes for beautiful or sexy today often seems quite plastic. Pfeiffer is so alluring as Jo Ann, but she wears elegant business suits or cocktail dresses at work and softly draped casual clothing in scenes outside of work. "Sexy" fashion doesn't have to be skin tight, ripped or overly revealing.
This movie was popcorn-fare enjoyable, if dated and a bit silly at times. If you are feeling nostalgic for the 80s, this one will be right for you.
The story by Academy Award-winning writer of "Chinatown" (possibly the greatest American film ever) Robert Towne is entertaining, although seems dated in its dialogue and situations--the criminals seem too congenial and almost upstanding in their moral code. The corrupt LA cops may seem more realistic by comparison. The action scenes are entertaining and the plot keeps you engaged enough all the way through.
But the main hook of "Tequila Sunrise" is the love story between Nick, Jo Ann and Mac--Nick and Mac being close high school chums who still try to look out for each other, although both are in love with Jo Ann, who is the epitome of late '80s beauty and allure. She is intelligent, decent, professional and kind. So, there is the conflict that drives the story. The tasteful love scenes are very stereotypically '80s, complete with quick cutting, soft lighting and soaring saxophone solos by David Sanborn.
One reaction I had (a pleasant one) was that the three stars were absolutely attractive and gorgeous, but did not look fake like today's standard--they all had real teeth, skin, bodies and hair. What passes for beautiful or sexy today often seems quite plastic. Pfeiffer is so alluring as Jo Ann, but she wears elegant business suits or cocktail dresses at work and softly draped casual clothing in scenes outside of work. "Sexy" fashion doesn't have to be skin tight, ripped or overly revealing.
This movie was popcorn-fare enjoyable, if dated and a bit silly at times. If you are feeling nostalgic for the 80s, this one will be right for you.