Red Rock West [1993]

John Dahl (You Kill Me, Joy Ride, Rounders) brought us another good movie. Granted, Red Rock West has been released some sixteen years ago, but it still hasn’t lost any of its charm. You already know what to expect: good story, interesting characters and a lot of dark humor. And again, the experience is boosted by good performances by leading and supporting actors. Young Nicolas Cage was just phenomenal, Lara Flynn Boyle showed why she was so popular at times and Dennis Hopper did what he does best. However, it’s all too easy to forget the immortal J.T. Walsh, who really enhanced the quality of the movie. Fucking J.T. Walsh, a legend. All of them really brought to life characters that epitomize the setting, but more importantly life itself. And we all know that life is a bitch and then you die.

Michael Williams is a lovable loser who just can’t get a break. After a failed interview for a job, he is mistaken for a hitman, and this will get him in a hell of lot trouble. Trying to get out of it all, he just kept coming back to the fucking Red Rock West! Very interesting and entertaining movie, so just relax and lets all see how will Michael do. And then, see it again because this movie has a great replay value. Set in rural Wyoming, it’s reminiscent of some much darker, almost noir movies like Retroactive. And yet it managed to give out that TV/Mainstream vibe with coherent storytelling and impeccable pacing.

Director: John Dahl

Cast: Nicolas Cage, J.T. Walsh, Lara Flynn Boyle, Dennis Hopper, Timothy Carhart

Fun Facts: Significant portions of this “Wyoming” film was shot on location in Montana, writer/director John Dahl and his brother, writer/producer Rick Dahl’s home state, as well as Arizona.

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IMDb Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105226/