Oliver Stone is undeniably one of the most successful filmmakers in modern Hollywood. His ability to select important subjects and dedicate the necessary energy to transform them into memorable viewing experiences sets him apart. Regardless of whether his films are well-received or not, they always generate attention and spark discussions. However, one of his lesser-known works is the 1997 neo-noir thriller U Turn.
Unlike Stone's usual historical or socially relevant films, U Turn is a relatively straightforward thriller based on John Ridley's novel Stray Dogs. The story follows Bobby Cooper (portrayed by Sean Penn), a professional tennis player who finds himself in trouble with Russian mobsters. Stranded in the small town of Superior, Arizona, after his car breaks down, Bobby encounters a cast of eccentric and unlikeable characters, including the mechanic Darrell (played by Billy Bob Thornton). A chance meeting with the alluring Grace McKenna (Jennifer Lopez) leads to a whirlwind romance, complicated by her jealous and wealthy husband Jake (Nick Nolte) who proposes a shocking solution to their marital problems. As Bobby navigates this tangled web, he must also contend with a flirtatious teenager (Claire Danes) and her volatile boyfriend (Joaquin Phoenix).
U Turn suffered from comparisons to the acclaimed thriller Red Rock West, released just a few years prior. While the cast is intriguing, with standout performances from Billy Bob Thornton, Nick Nolte's over-the-top acting and Jennifer Lopez's lackluster portrayal detract from the overall impact. Director Oliver Stone's penchant for flashy visuals and MTV-style editing further hinders the film, making it longer and more tiresome than necessary. Despite moments of dark humor and a captivating score by Ennio Morricone, U Turn fails to leave a lasting impression in Stone's filmography.
Rating: 4/10 (+)
(Note: This review was originally posted on Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on February 10th, 2004)
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It is the best Jennifer Lopez movie I have ever seen and the movie has more than one ending. The mystery is handled successfully in the story and the limitlessness of what the human mind can do for salvation is beautifully reflected to the audience.