Wolff rating: NOT BAD
Plot summary: Somewhat autobiographical tale of a drugged-out journalist who heads to El Salvador to get a story.
Biased, pithy comments: This look at burned-out journalists has flashes of brilliance. The story is very carefully told from the journalist's perspective, and with Altman-like layered dialogue and Woods' strong performance as the ultimate con artist, this could almost be a great film. Unfortunately, the long political screeds and clumsy storytelling get in the way---Boyle's journalist friends drift in and out of focus, as does his relationship with his girlfriend, and Belushi's character seems particularly adrift. Still, an interesting and moving watch when it's working.
Other Notes: Plana gets excellent points for character roles, from this great performance as Major Max from Jefe in ``Three Amigos'' just a few years earlier.
How many times I have seen it: x1
Starring: James Woods, James Belushi, Michael Murphy, John Savage, Elpidia Carrillo, Tony Plana.
Directed by: Oliver Stone