Fausse piste

Rosanna Arquette oozes sexuality. Kevin Anderson plays a sailor wrongly accused of murder. John Lithgow plays a character that seems better suited to Dennis Hopper, drinking and insulting his way through the film. These three are thrown together in an extended road trip along the back roads of rural Mexico, while being pursued by the police. Nothing is certain as half-truths, double deals, and double crosses, unfold. Unfortunately not a lot happens in "The Wrong Man", but the acting is solid, and it is difficult to turn away from Rosanna Arquette in skimpy outfits, or topless. There is not a lot of action and at times things get quite talky, however watching Arquette can quickly make you forget any minor faults the movie may have. - MERK

Made for cable TV, "The Wrong Man" has the setup of a chase movie - Kevin Anderson has to go on the run after a murder he didn't commit - but writer Michael Thoma and director Jim McBride put the emphasis less on the pursuit than on the characters involved, turning it into a road movie with a bit of violence attached. (UK viewers note Anderson playing a character called Alexander Walker - also the name of one of Britain's leading [so I'm told] movie critics.)

The journey through Mexico isn't overflowing with action, but the interplay between Anderson and the couple he hooks up with - Ugly American John Lithgow and Sexy American wife Rosanna Arquette - keeps the attention; interlaced with wit and edge, the acting of all three principals and the refreshingly non-stereotyped Mexican police officers following the trail helps the movie seem like more than it is.

Leisurely paced without being boring, and pretty credible right up to its finale, "The Wrong Man" may not be up there with "Baby, It's You" or "The World According To Garp" in the CVs of Arquette and Lithgow, but it certainly is a long, long way from "Off The Wall" or "Raising Cain." And if all else fails, watch it for Rosanna's topless scenes (the scene in the hotel room makes it a must for Arquette fans, particularly the ones with penises).

Merchant sailor Alex Walker (Kevin Anderson) is stranded in Mexico after missing his ship's departure. His wallet is stolen and the man who stole it is killed by somebody. The cops are after him for the murder. He joins up with Phillip Mills (John Lithgow) and his trophy wife Missy (Rosanna Arquette).

Kevin Anderson is a weak actor and his character isn't particularly interesting either. Arquette is broadly sexual. She even sleeps sucking her thumb. She has some fun camping it up. However Anderson is the black hole of charisma. Lithgow is possessive and jealous. The production is not high quality. If they could get a charismatic leading man, this could be an interesting trio.

The story is basically very simple: innocent man runs away from police who suspect him from murder. The makers of this movie chose not to create another hide and seek movie. Instead, their attention went to the characters, and not only of the protagonists. John Lithgow is brilliant as tha loudmouth doing 'monkey business', Kevin Anderson is great as the introvert suspect and Rosanna Arquette is lovely to watch as the sensual Missy. If look close, you'll notice that also the characters of the Mexican policemen have been drawn nicely. A movie for those who like to watch better movies only.

Have to admit this thriller movie with some twists was fun and nostalgic to watch on VHS. Best recommendation to watch like you're going back in time. Good thriller also.