Double jeu

Fairly interesting movie about an undercover policewoman which unfortunately gets muddled. As the story tries to cover too much ground that in the end leaves everyone watching confused and unconcerned about what it's trying to tell them.

Trying to mix big time drug dealers and protected witnesses who the DA is trying to get to testify against their former associates, the mob, with an obsessive and corrupt police officer. Together with an undercover policewoman who has enough problems outside as well as inside the police department doesn't jell together in this very complicated and confusing movie.

Besides all the negative things one can say about the movie "Impulse" the one very positive thing about the film is the appearance and acting of it's beautiful and talented star Teresa Russell. Teresa makes you, in many cases, forget the plot holes and inconsistencies of the movie just by watching her whenever she's on the screen.

After 'Ratboy (1986)', Sondra Locke would hone down her directorial skills with the vastly overlooked cop thriller 'Impulse'. The voluptuously headstrong Theresa Russell (who doesn't get enough recognition as it is) proves the talent she bestows, as the film asks for a vividly intriguing performance. And she provides a breakaway one as an undercover cop of the Vice squad. Not forgetting Jeff Fahey's outstandingly low-key turn in what could be seen as a breakthrough performance as an assistant district attorney. Along with Locke's moodily terse and measured direction that just takes you into that smoking film-noir ambiance; Russell and Fahey's performances are also the potent backbone to the appeal of the film. Where the film has its share of flaws comes mainly from the dramatically cluttered material, as it's story-bound rather than action-filled. It follows Russell's character as she pins perverts and drug peddlers, but soon she becomes so attached with the power play of the job that the impulsive fantasy of losing control and experiencing criminal temptation becomes overwhelming. The choice is there, and her repressed emotions are starting to crack and anxiety creeps in. Another element thrown into the mixture is the growing affection between Russell and Fahey's characters. This leads onto a complex (and where it hit's a bump is the somewhat implausible developments infesting its way within this) web of psychological, harrowing and heart-racing avenues, plus intensely raw thrills. Characters are actually well-rounded and show what makes them tick with some brooding shades showing. The technical side is professionally catered for with Michel Colombier's seductively sizzling, but at times jarring music score, sullen lighting tinges evoke presence, relaxed pacing and it's gorgeously shot with the Los Angeles backdrop painting a lasting mark. The support cast features capable turns by George Dzundza, Alan Rosenberg, Shawn Elliott and Eli Danker. A really surprisingly tight, mature and stylish thriller by Sandra Locke, but its Theresa Russell's powerfully stimulating performance that stays with you.

Theresa Russell portrays a remarkable policewoman with style! Though she is sexy and hot in her undercover roles, she's also reserved in her private life. She's nobody's playmate...even if that's how she appears on assignments.

Many viewers have never watched this movie yet....though it's been around since 1990. Why are the networks reluctant to include this film more often in their schedules? There's plenty trash on the air, and yet a sparkling gem like this movie rarely sees the light...

Instead of leaving you breathless and trying to keep track of all the twists and turns, this story gives you breathing-space to savour and digest each scene. What a refreshing change! Aside from the main story-line, some scenes are educational for both men and women. How so?

Well, the behaviour of some men disgusts Theresa Russell, and her response is eloquent enough. Yet she responds warmly if some man treats her respectfully, gently and politely. Theresa Russell's character can discern between a gentleman and a lout, which would go down well with female viewers, no doubt. On the other hand, male viewers can re-assess how to really win a woman's heart...the right way!

In "Impulse" a female undercover cop (Russell) stings johns, gets involved with a drug bust, and...yada yada yada. A typical and ordinary Hollywood crime genre product with Russell and Fahey sharing the spotlight, "Impulse" is a par flick, shot entirely in and around L.A., with the usual ugly bad guys, macho cops, chases, shootouts, etc. with the emphasis on drama over action. Nothing new here. Best enjoyed with your favorite beverage and munchies.

In Los Angeles, Detective Lottie Mason (Theresa Russell) works undercover as a whore on the streets or a junkie with the vice-squad leaded by the corrupt Lt. Joe Morgan giving support and arresting clients and drug dealers. She is also having sessions with a police psychologist for evaluation because she killed a criminal. She also has troubled relationships and high debts with her credit card. When she works with the District Attorney Stan (Jeff Fahey), they feel attracted for each other and have an affair. After an assignment where she was almost killed, she has a flat tire while driving home. She goes to a bar to kill time while her car is fixed. Completely upset, she meets the charming criminal Tony Perón (Shawn Elliott) that Stan is chasing, but unknown for her, and he offers a huge amount for her to go to his place. While in his fancy house, she regrets and tries to find a meas of escape. But she witnesses the execution of Tony, and she anonymously calls the police. In the house, she finds a key of a locker where there is a bag with one million dollars that Tony stole from drug dealers. While the police search the unknown woman, Lottie lives a dilemma about what to do with the money.

I have just watched "Impulse" at least five times so far, and in my opinion it is one of the best thrillers of the 90's. The good story has a great direction of Sondra Locke, the characters are very well developed, and Theresa Russell is amazingly beautiful and sexy and has one of her best performances. The ambivalent conclusion is perfect, and the viewer can only guess the destination of the money. Unfortunately this movie is totally underrated in IMDb, misguiding the readers. My vote is nine.

Title (Brazil): "Tentação Perigosa" ("Dangerous Temptation")