Don't Look Back

Jesse Parish (Eric Stoltz) is a loser and heroine addict that lives in Los Angeles and spends his nights wandering around and getting himself into trouble. One particular night he goes on a parking lot and finds in a car left open a suitcase full of money that belongs to Skipper (Dwight Yoakam). This won't be a smart idea as the drug dealers to which Skipper owned the money (led by Billy Bob Thornton) will stop at nothing for having their money back even after Jesse leaves for California for returning to his childhood friends (one of them played by John Corbett). Will Jesse manage to save himself, his friends and the money he stole with the best intentions? See the movie.

While this is a made for TV movie and of course obscure, I really liked it probably because the plot was very tense and the situations very similar to those of theater released thrillers (including those of the period of this one). Eric Stoltz gives a very good performance as a former loser that finally has a chance in life after stealing lots of money while also being on the run from the dealers. Billy Bob Thornton as always is a very delight to watch and the shots of California beaches both at day and night were nice to look at.

If you ever have a chance of finding this movie even on late night TV, give it a try especially if you are a thriller fan as it has the favourite elements for fans of the genre.

Junkie and down and out Jesse stumbles into the middle of a drugs buy. He steals $200,000 from the deal and flees for his hometown in Texas. He joins up with his childhood friends, however the owners of the money begin to search for him and get closer every step.

This story by Thornton is actually quite a good drama. The plot is split in two – one with Jesse with his friends in Texas, the other with Marshall and his gang working his way back to his money. The stuff with the gang is very good but is maybe too cruel for it's own good, however it works well as a crime thriller. The rest with Jesse is OK but doesn't work totally because he is quite a selfish character who brings a lot of harm to those round him – are we supposed to feel sorry for him or like him?

The cast are all very good. Stoltz is never brilliant but is quite good here, however of the three friends Corbett (Northern Exposure) is the best. Billy Bob Thornton is on top form as Marshall and his gang has a few well known faces – the only downside is that the gang are maybe too cruel and their laughing as they kill makes it quite hard to watch at times.

Overall this is better than I expected. The story isn't anything special but it has enough nice touches to make it interesting. The weakness mostly lies in the unsympathetic nature of a character we're supposed to root for.

Was bored with the normal crap on every channel flipped around saw that this movie had Eric Stoltz in it and remembered him form the fantastic killing of Zoe movie so decided to watch it.. it was late and figured what the hell... well an hour later I had to record this as it was raw hurt... I mean wow it would not let me go..but I had to. Finised it last night what a frigging good movie.. I mean it just turns your guts.. Eric is great as usual but the rest of the cast is right there Billy Bob who would have thought you love being mean like that

And in the end it just feels right I am waiting for more

ROBO

Billy Bob Thornton comes across well as a calculating drug dealer who wants his money back. Retreiving it from the loser "druggie" (Eric Stoltz) who stole it leads to Galveston, where Stoltz is hiding out. The movie is engaging, with a logical plot, and decent character development. Screen time is divided about equal between Thornton's pursuit and Stoltz's reuniting with his old Texas cronies. "Don't Look Back" has one very important flaw, and unfortunately it is a desperately weak ending. The "Rambo-like" conclusion seems forced, and totally out of place with what has preceded it. Nevertheless, there is enough good solid plotting, and quirky characters to keep it afloat. - MERK

This HBO Movie is very exciting action thriller. Not to be confused with the Bob Dylan documentary of the same name. The whole cast does a great job and it should be more widely recognized. Eric Stoltz as usual is great as the bum who becomes a hero and Billy Bob Thornton plays a scary villain. Peter Fonda is in it for a few minutes as a hit-man. The action scenes are very suspenseful and you will be entertained. It's on DVD, so hopefully people will rent it. Other great HBO movies include: "Citizen Cohn", and "Citizen X". You will hooked into the film very quickly.

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