wonderful DC thrillerReviewed by Robert J. Crawford, 2010-01-27
I saw this while I was a student of government. Not only was I
fascinated by its subtle portrayals of careers and politics, but
loved the thriller drama. It is a pity that many reviewers here
discuss the details, revealing the twists and secrets as clever
film craft. If you know them before you see it, the experience is
seriously compromised.
The story revolves around a savvy naval officer who is making his
career (or so we assume). Costner is perfect for the role. He meets
a smart, cynical young courtisane - the phenomenal Sean Young in
her prime - and they start to see each other; she desperately tries
to manage their relationship as her life is falling apart, but
bigger forces are at work. Together, this puts him smack in the
middle of some complex and very dangerous intrigue, to say the
least. There are big pols, ambitious bureaucrats, assassins, and
innocents in the way of fire, culminating in a chase for criminals.
Finally, there are completely unexpected levels that add to the
adrenalin rush. Truly great entertainment.
The amazing thing about the film is how believable it all is,
especially given the context in which it was released: the
Iran-Contra scandal had just broken, complete with sleazy
maneuvering by Oliver North. Seeing it now, the film has aged about
as much as I did. It seems almost retro, if not crude, however well
the suspense still works. All I can say is, I am glad I did not
spend my career in DC!
Warmly recommended.
No Way OutReviewed by David Kunkel, 2009-07-15
I am a big fan of Gene Hackman and own a lot of his movies. This is not his best one but, I would put it in the top 25%. Hackman plays his role in a high level Government scandal very well. Good intrigue, but an age-old theme of murder and cover-up.
great 80's costner flick!Reviewed by Nikki M. Mccaskill, 2009-05-29
one of costner's best films. great story line, intrigue, drama, tension & mystery with a cool twist at the end. definitely worth the purchase as the TV version is nearly cut in half.
end of the cold war pentagon dramaReviewed by R. Bagula, 2009-03-16
Asked direct an investigation to find himself, this reminds of the
real spy story that came out later; the young Navy officer has an
affair with the wrong girl and it ends up in the deaths of several
people who are his friends. A early Costner film with Sean Young as
a beautiful female lead, this film has very good acting and the
plot doesn't disappoint.
And their is a very strange twist at the very end...
Winds Up as a Good Political ThrillerReviewed by R. Schultz, 2009-03-01
This is an updated version of Edward G. Robinson's classic film
noir "The Big Clock" - with perhaps a little bit of Alan Ladd's
"Glass Key" thrown in. Those originals were better, but this isn't
a bad movie. It has its own angles to offer.
The movie doesn't start with much promise. Kevin Costner and his
military buddies aren't very sympathetic as they rowdy their way
through foreign ports. But as Costner changes gears and is shown
really caring about the lead woman in the film - we consequently
really begin to care about him. We become involved as he gets
enmeshed in the increasingly deadly machinations of some Washington
politicos.
The biggest reason to watch "No Way Out" though is its
performances. Gene Hackman is intimidating as a ruthless
politician. Howard Duff caps his career as the tough guy you
wouldn't want to cross. But the acting prize in this film goes to
Will Patton who creates the character of an unctuous, toadying
villain - willing to go to any lengths.
So if the beginning of this movie seems a little lame to you, I
suggest you stick with it. Things get treacherous and taut - as one
escape route after another is barred.
