tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post4049489322087362789..comments2024-03-05T21:05:36.848-05:00Comments on CommentaramaFilms: Film Friday: No Way Out (1987)AndrewPricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-8842198770369302952021-05-27T13:07:32.555-04:002021-05-27T13:07:32.555-04:00Without question, No Way Out is the best damn mode...Without question, No Way Out is the best damn modern-day political Washington, DC thriller ever. I've lost count of how many times I've seen it. Yes, I am female; Yes, I am Blonde, and Yes, I wouldn't throw Kevin/Yuri out of bed ever. Lest you think I am a "dumb Bimbo" like the "Atwell woman" (she wasn't), I have worked for lawyers and politicians and am very familiar with power and manipulation. A little known fact about Kevin: He had a child with a lady of the Pittsburgh Rooney Royalty family; it's my understanding he supports their child.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-68157432502408081732014-05-28T22:37:33.977-04:002014-05-28T22:37:33.977-04:00Who played the Janitor in this film?
Who played the Janitor in this film?<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-49162449024726642762013-11-02T22:43:26.518-04:002013-11-02T22:43:26.518-04:00John, Thanks! And thanks for the corrections. Th...John, Thanks! And thanks for the corrections. This is an excellent film that was very well constructed by the writers. It's unfortunate that people think that the twists and seeming coincidences are too much to believe. Still, the movie has found its audience and it has proven staying power.AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-89509076568255652582013-11-02T19:35:09.628-04:002013-11-02T19:35:09.628-04:00This is the best analysis of "No way out"...This is the best analysis of "No way out" that I have found online. Reviewers (often after seeing the film only once) complain about the coincidences and the preposterous twist, without appreciating how the latter explain the former, and the foreshadowing throughout the film.<br /><br />One small correction: Farrell/Yuri does not refer to Susan as "the Atwell woman" - his interrogators do. Furthermore, they find him at an unmarked grave, presumably Susan's. He makes it clear that he was ordered to seduce Susan, and he obeyed. However, he may have fallen in love with her in the process.<br /><br />Whether he did or not is left open, but there is a sharp contrast between his time with her and his experiences after her death. The sailing yacht is a metaphor for freedom, and his more innocent days as a younger officer. Also Yuri/Farrell finds in Susan a free spirit, whereas he has been used as a pawn. At the end of the film he has lost his appetite for espionage or Russian heroism. No wonder.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18105609617071999765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-51332674933257085122013-01-27T01:07:35.754-05:002013-01-27T01:07:35.754-05:00Scott, I think the twist is actually meant to expl...Scott, I think the twist is actually meant to explain all the coincidences. If you think about it, everything that happens are things he manipulated with the exception of him being chosen to the come be a liaison and then Brice actually killing the woman -- but that was Plan B. Plan A was probably blackmail or someone else killing her.AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-27121908964759837912013-01-27T01:00:11.465-05:002013-01-27T01:00:11.465-05:00You said we can chime in on old reviews... :-)
I ...You said we can chime in on old reviews... :-)<br /><br />I just watched this on Amazon Prime - I enjoyed it though I didn't care for the final twist at the end. Personally, I didn't think it was necessary at all. I bought all the coincidences and that was one too many.<br /><br />And yeah, if this film were made today, it'd be over in 10 minutes. One character would call up a photo, say "Zoom and enhance," and that'd be it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-2102231241208162712011-10-08T22:28:11.028-04:002011-10-08T22:28:11.028-04:00Floyd, I think it goes back to the question of do ...Floyd, I think it goes back to the question of do we want actors who disappear into roles or actors who play themselves? I think there's room for both and some of the most successful play themselves, e.g. Schwarzenegger, Costner, John Wayne, Tom Cruise, etc.<br /><br />Costner sticks to what works for him and he's had some pretty important films as a result.<br /><br />Mr. Brooks was probably his biggest divergence from his normal character and it was definitely an interesting movie. I still don't know what to think about his character. It's an interesting portrayal.AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-45488068722869464132011-10-08T22:16:41.582-04:002011-10-08T22:16:41.582-04:00Costner has a great resume... hard to believe give...Costner has a great resume... hard to believe given his "narrow range of talent" as you rightly say.<br /><br />Besides those mentioned I highly recommend Mr. Brooks with Costner as a serial killer. I also liked Tin Cup and Open Range (Wyatt Earp too).Floyd R. Turbohttp://www.threedonia.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-6813920218635526012011-10-07T19:23:51.710-04:002011-10-07T19:23:51.710-04:00Scott, They did indeed parody the limo scene in Ho...Scott, They did indeed parody the limo scene in <i>Hot Shots</i>.... and they did a great job of it! LOL!AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-32735325873285094472011-10-07T19:23:25.525-04:002011-10-07T19:23:25.525-04:00Crispy, I just watched it again this week and I...Crispy, I just watched it again this week and I'd forgotten how gripping it was. You won't be disappointed.AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-68363297149008854932011-10-07T19:19:23.244-04:002011-10-07T19:19:23.244-04:00I believe tryanmax was referring to a technobabble...I believe tryanmax was referring to a technobabble scene like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8siL4TeMCyg&feature" rel="nofollow">this one</a>. :-)<br /><br />I've never seen the film so I don't have much to comment on. I think the second <i>Hot Shots!</i> film parodied the scene in the limo.<br /><br />And I miss Gene Hackman! I just watched <i>The Conversation</i> again. Good stuff and considered by some to be a distant relative to <i>Enemy of the State</i>.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-9881918529304946812011-10-07T18:51:24.498-04:002011-10-07T18:51:24.498-04:00Your review is making my head spin, Andrew! I hav...Your review is making my head spin, Andrew! I have seen this, although not for ages. It's about the only Kevin Costner movie I can stomach, LOL. I'll put it on my "to watch soon again" list!CrispyRicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07302075204880024936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-13349296865006446292011-10-07T16:21:16.474-04:002011-10-07T16:21:16.474-04:00Why yes, Yuri Johnsonovich. How did you know? LOL...Why yes, Yuri Johnsonovich. How did you know? LOL!<br /><br />I'll check it out Ben, I swear. I just need to get a replacement for Netflicks -- my list of things I need to watch is growing fast. Argh!<br /><br />Thanks for the recommendation! :)AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-66166711449862550922011-10-07T16:16:59.370-04:002011-10-07T16:16:59.370-04:00Hanen't seen a comedy/action/crime film with G...Hanen't seen a comedy/action/crime film with Gene Hackman? <br /><br />I'm shocked! Shocked I say!<br /><br />Your penance will be to watch it post haste! Do not pass go, do not collect $200.00 (unless you give me a 50% cut, in which case you may also pass go). :^)<br /><br />Waitaminnit! Your name wouldn't happen to be Yuri would it? Hmmm?USS Ben USN (Ret)https://www.blogger.com/profile/07492369604790651538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-49181871038112313912011-10-07T15:55:54.440-04:002011-10-07T15:55:54.440-04:00Thanks Ben!
I agree that this has really held up....Thanks Ben!<br /><br />I agree that this has really held up. Even though the Russians aren't our primary enemy anymore, like they were when this was made, the themes this film hits really are timeless and you could imagine them remaking this movie today and only changing a few names to make it work. Actually, you could probably even leave it as the Russians since it doesn't delve too much into the geopolitical reality at the time.<br /><br />I like <i>Enemy of the State</i> a lot. Hackman was great in that too! But then he's been great in everything!<br /><br />I have to admit I haven't seen <i>Loose Cannons</i>. This has been the week for people mentioning films I haven't seen! LOL!AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-49786504339379953032011-10-07T15:45:29.561-04:002011-10-07T15:45:29.561-04:00Great review, Andrew!
No Way Out is one of my fav...Great review, Andrew!<br /><br />No Way Out is one of my favorite political thrillers.<br />For a Cold War thriller it has really held up well. <br /><br />Another one I like with Hackman (as a good guy) is Enemy Of The State.<br /><br />He never fails to disappoint.<br />Just saw Loose Cannons again a few days ago and Hackman was a riot. <br />Of course, any flick with Hackman, Ackroyd and Dom DeLuis is bound to be a riot, LOL.USS Ben USN (Ret)https://www.blogger.com/profile/07492369604790651538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-84914181300455767622011-10-07T14:07:59.233-04:002011-10-07T14:07:59.233-04:00Isn't that the truth! I don't think he...Isn't that the truth! I don't think he's ever turned in a bad performance and he's also done some really iconic roles as well. Very impressive.AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-82781006033455519542011-10-07T14:05:10.220-04:002011-10-07T14:05:10.220-04:00Indeed, "Hackman" could not be a more in...Indeed, "Hackman" could not be a more inappropriate name for such a great actor.tryanmaxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09881154741574720094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-31792417620307438342011-10-07T14:04:19.312-04:002011-10-07T14:04:19.312-04:00Thanks Jed! It is one of the better twists.
Inte...Thanks Jed! It is one of the better twists.<br /><br />Interestingly, I actually saw this film twice before I saw the twist -- both times I was called away right after he walks away from Hackman and didn't know there was more coming.<br /><br />Imagine my surprise when I saw it a third time and found out there was more! LOL!<br /><br />(P.S. Hackman really is good in everything he does!)AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-65874917836319979902011-10-07T14:01:48.199-04:002011-10-07T14:01:48.199-04:00Andrew - this was actually the first film I rememb...Andrew - this was actually the first film I remember with Costner is a lead role. I have it on DVD and have viewed it numerous times. All the actors did a reasonable job. As always, Gene Hackman did a terrific job, and it is one of the best twists I can ever remember on film. Great review!Tennessee Jedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10604275115906776992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-3082770106024902972011-10-07T13:39:19.651-04:002011-10-07T13:39:19.651-04:00UPDATE: My next Big Hollywood article is finally s...<b>UPDATE:</b> My next Big Hollywood article is finally scheduled for Monday... though they changed the title.AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-22077142770980682902011-10-07T13:15:28.885-04:002011-10-07T13:15:28.885-04:00T-Rav, I think you'll like it. Watch it and t...T-Rav, I think you'll like it. Watch it and then let us know what you think! :)<br /><br /><br />Have a nice weekend!AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-12972116635554759612011-10-07T13:14:22.252-04:002011-10-07T13:14:22.252-04:00Interesting review, Andrew. I haven't seen thi...Interesting review, Andrew. I haven't seen this one (don't worry, I skipped over the twist ending part), but you've piqued my interest. That's all I have to say; I'm headed out of town for the weekend and am leaving now before you can start throwing things at me for not having seen this. ;-)T-Ravhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10861218035729479354noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-67836976063736868332011-10-07T12:57:00.652-04:002011-10-07T12:57:00.652-04:00tryanmax: The jury pool is supposed to be by rand...tryanmax: The jury pool is supposed to be by random selection. But I think they were out to get me. I got called four times in five years. Nobody allows a lawyer on a jury, but I'd have to spend a day or two before they'd get to me and dismiss me. One time I was almost seated as an alternate juror before one of the attorneys realized his mistake.LawHawkRFDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17800255923675295515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059293386881623259.post-9427259439102824312011-10-07T12:43:45.678-04:002011-10-07T12:43:45.678-04:00Ed, don't fret. That's what this guy -- :P...Ed, don't fret. That's what this guy -- :P -- was for.tryanmaxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09881154741574720094noreply@blogger.com