ONE GOOD TURN (1996)
BASIC PLOT:
Matt Forrest has everything going for him, a successful career, a beautiful wife, and plans to have a child soon. But after running into a ghost from his past, he feels he doesn't deserve any of it.
In 1983, fellow soldier Simon Jury saved Matt (
Lenny von Dohlen) from a car bomb in Panama. Matt has always regretted not thanking Simon for his actions. So, after a chance meeting, Matt tracks Simon (
James Remar) down to thank him properly. Matt is disturbed by Simon's hand to mouth existence. He wants to help him in any way he can, so he finds Simon a low level job with his company.
WHAT WORKS:
*The principal actors are all above average, so even when a line doesn't work, it's forgivable.
Suzy Amis and
James Remar are stand outs here, and give stellar performances.
John Savage, as Santapietro, the crazy private detective, also deserves an honorable mention.
*Visual metaphors are used as successful foreshadowing. A dinner scene shows Simon with his elbows on the table, guarding his food in a way common to those who have served time. A few scenes later, we learn he has been in prison.
WHAT DOESN'T WORK:
*Some of the motivations are a bit clunky. Matt Forrest (
Lenny von Dohlen) is a bit too tortured, and a bit too blind. Laura Forrest (
Suzy Amis) gets angry her husband never told her about this incident, and even more angry he never told her there was a woman in the car with him when it happened. Why? They weren't together then, it was 13 years ago, so why (other than women hate secrets), is she so angry?
*The 'dope' Simon and Brent (
Michael Kopelow) smoke is laughable. The prop guy needs some help with that one.
TO RECOMMEND, OR NOT TO RECOMMEND, THAT IS THE QUESTION:
*We've all been here before, the mysterious stranger with ulterior motives, but that doesn't mean it's not a fun ride. I would recommend this movie to fans of suspenseful thrillers.
CLOSING NOTES:
*I have no connection to the film, or production in ANY way. I am just an honest viewer, who wishes for more straight forward reviews. Hope I helped you out.
