I know what you’re thinking, why should I give this unknown nineties thriller a chance? Those were my thoughts exactly when I started watching The Getaway starring Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger. I thought there will be some crime, a lot of romance, and too much of bland dialogue. And some sex scenes with the saxophone solo in the background. However, this movie totally surprised me. The opening scene finds our capable criminal trio discussing their next job. And before you know it, the action starts. They are not fucking around, I’ll tell you that.
The reason why The Getaway feels different is because it’s actually a remake of Sam Peckinpah’s movie of the same name from 1972. And that movie is based on a novel of the same name written by Jim Thompson. Now that we got that out of the way, let’s move on. I have to admit that I never liked Kim Basinger. I don’t know why, she seemed like a bitchy school teacher who privileged her way to the top. Gina Davis would be a much better choice and not just because of The Long Kiss Goodnight.
However, Kim was pretty solid here and Baldwin was fucking born for these roles. The supporting cast is also strong with the likes of James Woods, Jennifer Tilly, and even fucking Philip Seymour Hoffman. The Getaway features great production values, excellent cinematography and pretty fast pacing. I mean, so much stuff happens within the first forty minutes that you start wondering will they be able to keep up this ferocious tempo. Spoiler alert, they will.
Carter Doc McCoy and his wife Carol are two professional criminals who aren’t afraid to get dirty. However, their next job seems to be an easy one. Along with their partner Rudy, they need to break a cartel member out of prison. The job goes without a hitch and soon all four of them find themselves in Mexico. Soon, they will be in over their heads but that’s just the beginning of their troubles.
When I said that these two aren’t afraid to get dirty, I really meant it. There will be thefts, beatings, murders, and skirmishes with police. Something that’s a rarity in today’s world of sanitized thrillers where the main characters have to be morally good. The Getaway is an entirely different beast. The editing is a bit jerky at times but in exchange, we get a lot of locations, chases, and shootouts. All of which culminate in one hell of a showdown that reminded me of another nineties classic True Romance.
This is a true nineties thriller complete with tastefully done erotic scenes, Baldwin’s love carpet and excellent practical effects. Finally, if you’re looking for similar movies check out Kill Me Again also starring Michael Madsen, Red Rock West along with One False Move. Another good choice is a steamy and intense thriller Bound featuring another cast member, Jennifer Tilly.
Director: Roger Donaldson
Writers: Jim Thompson, Walter Hill, Amy Holden Jones
Cast: Alec Baldwin, Kim Basinger, Michael Madsen, James Woods, David Morse, Jennifer Tilly, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Fun Facts: Two accidents happened during filming. Kim was hit by spent casing on the lips and Burton Gilliam got five stitches after Michael Madsen pushed him into closet.
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IMDb Link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109890/
