Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Dustin Hoffman | ... | Bernie LaPlante | |
Geena Davis | ... | Gale Gayley | |
Andy Garcia | ... | John Bubber | |
Joan Cusack | ... | Evelyn | |
Kevin J. O'Connor | ... | Chucky | |
Maury Chaykin | ... | Winston | |
Stephen Tobolowsky | ... | Wallace | |
Christian Clemenson | ... | Conklin | |
Tom Arnold | ... | Chick | |
Warren Berlinger | ... | Judge Goines | |
Cady Huffman | ... | Flight Attendant Leslie | |
Susie Cusack | ... | Donna O'Day | |
James Madio | ... | Joey | |
Richard Riehle | ... | Robinson | |
Daniel Baldwin | ... | Fireman Denton (as Daniel Leroy Baldwin) |
Bernie LaPlante is having a rough time. He's divorced, his ex-wife hates him, and has custody of their son. The cops are setting a trap for him, then to top it all, he loses a shoe while rescuing passengers of a plane crash. Being a thief who is down on his luck, he takes advantage of the rescue, but then someone else claims credit for it. Written by Rob Hartill
I disagree with the suggestion that this movie is fluff; just the opposite. It is truly unexpected. There's no phony character development, no sitcom silliness. What you have here is what I would call TRUE GRIT. Dustin Hoffman gives one of his all-time best performances. Andy Garcia is equally true to character, and both actors get a chance to portray genuinely interesting characters. Yet, the ending could not be more perfect. Likewise, I'd argue that this movie does have social commentary. You'll see Chevy Chase at his best (although he doesn't appear in the credits). He illustrates the unholy alliance between news and show business in today's America. There's a great father-and-son story and an implied love story with Joan Cusack, someone who is underrated for her emotional expression. There's also a nice examination of truth and reality. Watch they boy from the plane. He can't remember what the hero said, so he is proud and excited to come up with what he thinks will sound good. Likewise, the hero's son finds the perfect answer to an awkward question for the news camera. We're all searching for that perfect answer if a news mike is stuck in our face. The hero sees this, and he is the only one in the movie who seems immune to it. He is my hero for remaining true to himself--as flawed as that is. No, this ain't Disney--it's Dustin, at his finest.