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Against All Odds Movie Review

Against All Odds

R
Sometimes love is the most dangerous game of all...
Against All Odds Picture

Starring

Jeff Bridges, Rachel Ward, James Woods, Alex Karras

Jane Greer, Richard Widmark, Dorian Harewood, Swoosie Kurtz, Saul Rubinek, Pat Corley, Bill McKinney, Allen Williams, Sam Scarber, Jon St. Elwood, Tamara Stafford, Jonathan Terry, Paul Valentine, Ted White, Stone Bower, Mel Scott-Thomas Update Cast


Rewind Archive
One of the reasons "Against All Odds" was made was to portray a sense of muted criticism towards Los Angeles, particularly involving professional sports and ecology. For example, Jane Greer's character has a plan to destroy several beautiful canyons to build houses. Also, Jeff Bridges's character is the victim of unfair labor practices.

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Review

"Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive..."

Now, who said that again...?

....Hmm, well, I believe it was Sir Walter Scott, must have had the characters from 1984's "Against All Odds" in mind when they said it.

A movie driven by romance and mystery, Against All Odds can be called anything but predictable. What am I talking about, you ask? Well, let me explain.

This Taylor Hackford directed film begins with a west coast tanned and handsome Terry Brogan (Jeff Bridges) driving around Mexico asking random citizens if they've seen "this woman", as he extends a photo of the beautifully permed heiress-to-riches Jessica Wyler, played by England native Rachel Ward. No-one seems to recoginize her and so the film skips back to show exactly why Jeff Bridges is looking for this woman in the first place.

Terry's so-called "friend", Jake Wise played by James Woods, has been dumped by Jessica sfter she stabbed him and "supposedly" ran off with 50 Grand. He believes she's hiding out somewhere on a Mexican island in the Caribbean, however, he can't leave his L.A. nightclub, "Jake's Palace", to search for her, so he promises Terry $30,000 if he can retrieve the rebellious girlfriend.

This offer sounds great to Terry, since he's out of a job and basically broke. He used to be a football player for L.A.'s "The Outlaws" but was fired by the owners, who happen to be Jessica's parents. They offer Terry double of whatever Jake is offering to find Jessica, make sure she's alright, and to keep her away from Jake. However, he refuses.

Instead, Terry takes Jake up on his offer, simply because he has nothing better to do and a tropical vacation sounds nice. All he expected to find was a naive 25-year old runaway, but what he found was a sensual, troubled woman caught up in a complex triangle between her boyfriend and her parents. Jessica seduces Terry and he realizes he cannot live without her. However, she gets Terry mixed up in a murderous cat-and-mouse game which makes the viewer wonder if she's worth all the trouble she causes.

Not to mention the fact that we later learn that her boyfriend, Jake Wise, works for her parents, so it seems that escaping their control is nearly impossible.

This film tends to be confusing because you become so entranced by the beautiful scenery that at times you ignore the dialogue and find yourself asking, "Wait, what did I miss? What just happened?" In short, the film can sometimes throw you off.

"Against All Odds" certaintly lives up to its title and has elements reminiscent of 1983's Scarface. Regardless of the passionate embrace on the poster, this film does not end so fairy-taleish as you might imagine. Not every story has a happy ending, and it's the sardonic ending of this movie which sets it apart from other 80's romances.

Author: Bridgette MarieUpdate This Review

Verdict

There were two things that inspired me to watch this film; the beautiful poster, and the title song written and sung by Phil Collins.

I've always wondered if Phil Collins wrote the song just for the film, or if in fact it was an honest plea to woo back a lost love? I don't know about you ladies, but if I had an ex-boyfriend who was talented enough to write a song like "Against All Odds" I would definitely run back to his arms!

Beautiful scenery, original ending, great actors, great for fans of "Scarface" and the "Miami Vice" series!
...hmmm, well honestly it can be confusing

Rewind Rating

9.5/10

The Movie Data

Key Crew

Director: Taylor Hackford
Writer: Daniel Mainwaring, Eric Hughes
Producers: Jerry Bick, Taylor Hackford, William S. Gilmore, Bill Borden, Gene Rudolf
Locations Manager: Richard Davis Jr.


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Data

Release Date: 02 Mar 1984
MPAA Rating: R
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Production: Columbia Pictures Corporation, New Visions Pictures
Genre: Thriller


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The Movie Trailer
Jump To: Music & Soundtrack Vibes
1984 Columbia Pictures
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